Southampton City Council's tree planting scheme gets a £288,000 boost, ensuring the city stays greener.

Thanks to the Urban Tree Challenge Fund (UTCF), this initiative is set to enhance Southampton's green spaces and tackle climate change head-on.

Hundreds of new trees will be strategically planted throughout the city, primarily targeting areas desperately needing increased foliage.

This includes parks, open spaces, and neighbourhoods with insufficient greenery.

In a bid to improve environmental sustainability, eight sites in Southampton are being earmarked for planting this year, receiving 215 trees in total, some of which have already been introduced.

The momentum continues next year, with an additional seven sites designated for the planting of 216 more trees under this ambitious project.

Cllr Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for environment and transport at Southampton City Council commented: "The Urban Tree Challenge Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to enhance our urban landscape while reducing harmful carbon emissions.

"Planting trees not only beautifies our city but also contributes to cleaner air, improved biodiversity and a healthier environment for our residents, supporting the priorities in our Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan launched in January of this year."