PLANS are in development for new woodlands to tackle climate change across the county.

Denbighshire County Council has launched a public engagement to help support the creation of new woodland areas.

Nearly 5,000 new trees were planted earlier this year at four county sites to help reduce carbon emissions and improve biodiversity.

These were also in addition to the planting of over 18,000 across the county as part of the council’s Corporate Plan 2017-22 focus on the preservation of the natural environment and also the maintaining and enhancing biodiversity within the county.

In July 2019, the council passed a motion to declare a Climate Change and Ecological Emergency.

A cross party-political working group was established to oversee the development of a Climate and Ecological Change Strategy.

The council has also committed to becoming become Net Carbon Zero and more Ecologically Positive Council by 2030.

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The new woodland creation work will help the council achieve that carbon zero goal by contributing to the amount of carbon sequestered (or absorbed).

Areas at Ffordd Parc Bodnant in Prestatyn, Dol Corwenna in Corwen and the former tip site at Henllan will support achieving the ecologically positive target by helping the council increase the species richness of the local land.

The council is also working to plant up to 10,000 trees across the new chosen sites.

A survey period running until November 21 will seek the views of residents regarding the creation of the three new sites in Denbighshire.

To access the survey and for further information on Dol Corwenna, Corwen, go to https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/694

Cllr Barry Mellor, Denbighshire's lead member for environment and transport, said: “Continuing our woodland creation project is very crucial for us to tackle climate change in Denbighshire. Everyone’s feedback through these surveys is important to help us map out the future for these sites.

“We want to hear your views on the woodland designs including preferences for chosen celebration trees at each site, seating at the sites and ideas for information signage for each woodland and any other ides you think would suit the land.

“We are also keen to hear if residents would like to get involved with each site such as the tree planting day and any other volunteering or training opportunities."