AROUND 10,000 trees are to be planted this autumn and winter in a bid to tackle climate change.

Test Valley Borough Council is set to plant around 10,000 trees as it aims to help tackle climate change and improve the environment throughout the colder months.

They will consist of young trees or whips and standard trees in a range of species, from hazel, hawthorn, blackthorn and field maple to beech, alder, oak and lime.

Their new homes will include Valley Park woodlands, Hunts Farm, Harewood, Anton Lakes, Swattons Field, Ox Drove and Picket Twenty urban park.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, councillor Phil North, said: “The changes we make now will have an impact on generations to come.

"So, it is absolutely crucial that we do everything in our power to tackle carbon emissions and help nature to heal, boosting biodiversity and countering climate change.

"With the help of partners, it’s our ambition, if we can identify appropriate land, to plant a similar number of trees in each of the next three years.”

After declaring a climate emergency in September 2019, the authority has also sought to crack down on its CO2 emissions by putting in place a range of new measures, including increasing its electric vehicle fleet.

Earlier this year they also adopted a policy to create more urban meadows, providing valuable habitat for insects and birds.