Salford on course to hit 8,000-tree target two years early
Salford City Council is celebrating a major milestone in its environmental commitments, with more than 7,000 trees planted across the city since 2024.
In spring 2024, the council pledged to plant 8,000 trees by 2028, as part of its commitment to tackle climate change and become carbon net zero by 2038.
Now at the halfway point, with two years remaining, latest figures reveal that 7,177 trees have already been planted – with the target of 8,000 set to be reached when the planting season resumes later this year.
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.
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. This is a fantastic collective effort and I want to thank all of our partners and communities who have been involved.”
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. Email your suggestions to rangers@salford.gov.uk and the team will look into all the ideas they receive.
(Photo at Salford City Academy with Cllr McCusker (standing 2nd left), Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett (at the end on the right), staff from Salford City Academy and workers from City of Trees)