Green groups across the borough have been thanked for helping Richmond Council towards a 10-year high mark for tree planting.

The council says it is on track to plant more than 500 trees across Richmond by the end of the tree planting season on March 31.

This is the highest number of trees to be planted in a single planting season in over a decade.

Since the start of November, 253 trees have been planted in line with Richmond's Climate Emergency Strategy commitment to increase tree cover in the borough.

Five sites have received new trees:

• Moormead Recreation Ground, St Margarets and North Twickenham – 9 new trees including hawthorn and cherry
• Heathfield Recreation Ground, Heathfield - 16 news trees including types of elm and lime
• Carlisle Park, Hampton – 11 new trees to form a sensory trail as part of the Friendly Parks for All initiative
• School House Lane, Teddington – new fruit trees added to the community orchard
• Twickenham Green, Twickenham – new Horse Chesnuts

Trees are being planted soon in these areas:

• Cambridge Gardens, Twickenham
• Chase Green, Whitton
• Ham Common, Ham
• North Sheen Recreation Ground, Kew

The council reports that it was successful in its bid for funding from the Government initiative The Urban Tree Challenge Fund. This will see 123 trees planted in areas where canopy cover is less than 20% in Heathfield, Whitton, Barnes and Hampton.

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts is chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Services Committee.

She said: "This is excellent news! Trees are essential for people, wildlife and the environment, and they're a hugely important part of our plans to address the climate emergency.

"Trees are a powerful ally; they can help by reducing carbon dioxide levels and flood risk, moderating extremes of temperature, and improving air quality. They also provide habitat for many species, supporting biodiversity in the borough.

"I am thrilled to see so many trees being planted in this planting season, and I thank everyone involved."