DEDICATED volunteers have reached a milestone in completing a census of all the trees on public land in Knutsford.

The team, led by Malcolm Thomas and Kevin Griffiths, seek to raise awareness across the town and to encourage tree maintenance and planting.

They believe that trees give the neighbourhood life, colour and beauty as well as providing clean air and protecting the community from extreme weather and habitats for wildlife.

So far, as part of the Town Council's nature action plan, volunteers have tagged, recorded and mapped 940 street trees.

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Whilst they had previously estimated from aerial images that there were 8,000 trees in Knutsford, their work has established that most trees in the town are on privately owned land, including schools, sports clubs, businesses and house gardens.

The group is now extending the census to community woods, including College Wood, St John’s Wood and The Heath, in collaboration with friends groups and local residents.

To complete the census, the group is appealing to the local community for help, asking community groups and businesses to share information about trees on their land.

Volunteers are available to help landowners undertake the tree census and provide guidance on the project.

The group also welcomes new volunteers to assist with the project.

Anyone able to support the project as a volunteer or provide information or access for trees to be surveyed can the group via the Town Council’s planning and facilities officer, Bob Allen by emailing bob.allen@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.