MORE than 11,000 trees are being planted in streets, parks and open spaces across Plymouth.

Plymouth City Council has teamed up with the Plymouth Tree Partnership, and has £48,000 of funding. Part of their work is to replace trees that were lost to Dutch Elm disease 30 years ago.

This year's major task is to plant shelter belts around areas of mown grass and at woodland edges, using large numbers of young trees.

Over the next three winters, the emphasis will move to parks and streets where big semi-mature nursery stock is required. Another 250 new trees are planned in parks and 250 along routes.

The tree planting is part of a much wider campaign co-ordinated by Plymouth Tree Partnership and led by Plymouth City Council, The Tree Council, BTCV and Groundwork South West.

The partnership runs the city's tree warden network and provides a focus for resident and community groups seeking to improve the places where they live, work and play.

Cllr Michael Leaves, the city's Cabinet member for community services, said: "Over the past few years we've had considerable success encouraging residents to get involved in a large number of projects which help improve the environment and get people out in the fresh air."

Projects range from park friends' groups and activities designed to get people to enjoy the green spaces in the city, through the Stepping Stones to Nature project.

Mr Leaves said: "Plymouth Tree Partnership is a great example of helping to give people a sense of involvement in the community."

Individuals or groups with tree planting proposals can contact the partnership through www.plymouthtrees.org. Council staff help to secure all the necessary permissions and provide professional advice.

The project also supports groups with the planting work by providing trained staff and specialist equipment.

New trees need to be looked after until they are growing strongly, and the work is best carried out by local people volunteering as tree wardens.

Andrew Young, chair of the partnership, encouraged community groups to get involved and added: "This is a great opportunity to restore the city's tree cover where it's needed."