Hard work by green-fingered park volunteers has helped put Salford on track to reach its target of planting 8,000 trees two years ahead of schedule.
More than 7,000 trees have been planted across Salford since 2024 as part of efforts to tackle climate change and help the city meet its net zero ambitions.
Trees have been planted across parks, open spaces, schools, cemeteries, roadsides, woodlands and new developments throughout the city by the local afforestation charity City of Trees, the Environment Agency, Friends of Parks groups and local volunteers.
Their effort means that the tree-growing push is set to meet its target when the next planting season begins later this year.
Salford City Council said it was celebrating reaching the 7,000-tree milestone and was delighted to be on track to give the city a leafy makeover.
Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport, Sustainable Development and Regeneration, said: “I’m delighted with our progress on this pledge. Not only are we actively reducing our city’s carbon footprint, we’re ensuring future generations of Salfordians can enjoy greener neighbourhoods, cleaner air and vibrant natural spaces on their doorstep.”
The council’s Rangers and Grounds Maintenance teams have worked with partners Greater Manchester Community Forest City of Trees, the Environment Agency and community organisations such as Friends of Parks groups, to identify sites and plant trees in parks, open spaces, woodlands, cemeteries, schools, by roadsides and as part of new developments.
Trees play a crucial role in creating a healthier, greener city. They help to improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, provide habitats for wildlife, help to reduce flood risk and cool down areas by providing shade and releasing moisture into the air.
The 7,177 trees planted since 2024 are expected to absorb thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide over their lifetimes, helping Salford reduce its carbon footprint while improving biodiversity, air quality and climate resilience.
“This is a fantastic collective effort and I want to thank all of our partners and communities who have been involved,” added councillor McCusker
Residents are encouraged to put forward suggestions for where trees could be planted over the next two years. Proposed sites must be grassed areas or have soft landscaping and be owned by the council.
Suggestions should be emailed to emailed to rangers@salford.gov.uk.
