FLINTSHIRE Council has published its first Urban Tree and Woodland Plan.

This Plan outlines how they will manage trees in Flintshire and it also sets out a strategic vision for the planting of trees across the county, particularly focussing on urban areas.

Urban areas are where trees can make a really positive impact in terms of aesthetics and economy, pollution control and summer cooling. Greener, wilder spaces have many benefits, for example, reducing surface water flooding and noise pollution and improving our mental health.

The plan will be officially launched at 'Tree Day' on September 29 at Wepre Park visitor centre from 11am to 3pm. More information about the projects the council are working on will be available and you can join rangers and the conservation team for guided walks and tree related activities.

The council has also successfully obtained grant funding from Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Government to begin work to create greener connections through the county.

Flintshire Council’s cabinet member for Streetscene and Countryside, Councillor Carolyn Thomas, said: “Over the long term, we want to improve green spaces so that they provide the maximum benefits for people and nature. We are pleased to be officially launching our first ever tree plan for Flintshire at the Tree Day at Wepre Park.

''It’s fantastic that we have successfully gained grant funding to start working towards its goals straight away, increasing the number of trees in urban areas.”

Over the next year, Flintshire Countryside Service will be working with local councils and communities to identify and agree a small number of urban sites for tree planting and wildflower areas. The key pilot areas of Connah’s Quay, Broughton and Saltney were identified through research on canopy cover in the tree plan. Work is not restricted to these areas and we will consider additional urban spaces for wildflower areas or tree planting.

Flintshire Council will also be holding an Orchard Day at Wepre Park on Sunday 14 October 11am – 3pm where you can find out about orchard planting and management, grafting and apple pressing.