120 hectares of new woodland now populate the county.

A total of 1,099,295 trees have been planted across Essex to exceed a five-year commitment.

The Essex Forest Initiative and Essex Forest Partnership have planted more than 120 hectares of woodland and 57km of hedgerows combined.

The Essex Forest Initiative was Essex County Council’s commitment to plant 375,000 trees between 2019 and 2025 using £1 million. This was exceeded with 476,200 trees planted in this period, as well as a further 63,697 in 2024/25.

The Essex Forest Partnership comprises local authorities including district, city and borough councils. They have planted a total of 623,095 trees since 2020, with over a third planted in 2024/25.

Widespread tree planting has been identified as one of the most effective ways of improving the Essex environment.

It provides habitats for wildlife, increases biodiversity and improve resilience to climate change. Residents can find out more in the Essex Climate Action Annual Report.

Councillor Peter Schwier, Climate Czar and Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling at Essex County Council, said: “I am proud that partners across Essex have worked together to plant such a huge number of trees.

“The trees planted will have a noticeable effect on the Essex environment in the years to come. As the trees grow, new habitats and green spaces will form, benefiting residents and wildlife. The trees also play an important role in reducing our flood risk.”