Around 1500 saplings have been planted at Teignbridge locations including Dawlish Leisure Centre, as part of the district council's plan to boost tree numbers, improve the environment and offset carbon emissions.

The saplings, provided by The Woodland Trust, are also being planted at Michael's Field, Bishopsteignton and Sandringham Park, Newton Abbot.

The aim is to create copses on largely grass-covered areas, linking where possible to existing woodland and hedges.

As well as improving the appeal and ecological value of the sites, the tree planting will eventually provide safe green corridors that wildlife can use to move around. Pollinators will benefit from increased flowering and wildlife from an increased range of fruits.

Last year, volunteers helped with the tree planting. This time it hasn't been possible because of Covid restrictions, but the contactors Idverde and Devon Tree Services have offered free help and supplies.

In addition to the large-scale planting, some feature trees will be planted on smaller sites, complementing the 16 that Idverde planted during the winter: one for each member of its staff working on the project.

'A really important step'

Executive member for Sport, Recreation and Culture Cllr Andrew MacGregor welcomed this phase of the project.

He said: "I would like to thank the Woodland Trust for the saplings and the contractors for their support. This is a really important step, not just in boosting the appearance of these areas but also in using land we own to help combat climate change.

"All the saplings to be planted have been selected with the specific sites in mind so as to maximise the prospects of them thriving."

Planning for next year is already under way, with the council identifying smaller sites which can be improved by planting more trees.