Twelve thousand new trees are to be planted at eleven parks, playing fields, woods and green spaces around Bolton under new plans.

New woodland covering about five hectares (12 acres) will be created, with the planting led by City of Trees, Bolton Council and volunteers.

Over 3,550 small trees and 135 larger trees have already been planted since 2022.

Much of the new planting will be led by the community forest for Greater Manchester, City of Trees, working with Bolton Council.

City of Trees plants and looks after trees to create better, greener places that boost health and wellbeing, tackle climate change and improve biodiversity.

With so many trees to plant, enthusiastic volunteers are vital. Anyone who wants to get involved can visit the City of Trees website to find out when planting is being done.

Two people who have recently added to Bolton’s trees are Mr and Mrs Fairclough from Horwich, who grew an oak sapling from an acorn descended from ancient trees at Blenheim Palace, the oldest of which is thought to be over 1000 years old.

The oak has been planted in Ridgmont Park, where Mr and Mrs Fairclough were joined by cllr Richard Silvester, Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change and Environment.

It will join the 92 larger trees being planted under the new plans.

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Trees cover roughly 13 per cent of Bolton, which is about average for Greater Manchester and matches the picture nationally, according to a report by Friends of the Earth.

However, the UK has one of the lowest levels of tree cover in Europe.

Cllr Silvester, said:“It’s easy to take trees for granted but they really are a natural wonder.

“They provide a home for animals and insects, help tackle climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and provide natural green spaces that have been shown to boost people’s mood and wellbeing.

”We have worked closely with the excellent team at City of Trees to plan our woodland creation and Bolton is also incredibly lucky to have so many enthusiastic local volunteers to help with the planting.”

Beth Kelsall, Delivery Manager at City of Trees, added:“We’re delighted to be working across Bolton planting trees which will bring a multitude of benefits to residents and wildlife.

“We would encourage residents to come along to our planting days, whether for an hour or all day, to plant a tree that they can see grow over the years.

“All equipment is provided - all that is needed is weather-suitable clothing and knowing that you’re doing something great for the environment!”

The full list of places that will get new trees and woodland is:

• Somerton Road green space

• Singing Clough

• Hulton Lane playing fields

• New House Farm playing fields

• Bradshaw Valley local nature reserve

• Wigan Road green space

• Dovedale Road green space

• Manchester Road park

• Ridgmont park

• Eagley Valley local nature reserve

• Leverhulme park

To find out more about tree planting in Bolton with City of Trees and to sign up, visit City of Trees.