It's as easy as one, two, tree..

COMMUNITY members at Snipe Clough planting event in December

ENVIRONMENTAL movement City of Trees is calling on organisations, individuals and groups in Oldham to tot up their tree planting totals.

The charity's launched a 'Big Tree Count' campaign to mark the end of tree planting season and wants all those who have helped new trees take root to share their tree planting success.

The group was behind thousands of trees being planted at Snipe Clough, Glodwick, with the help of volunteers, to transform a former landfill site into a community woodland.

They aim to plant three million trees over the next generation - one for every man, woman and child in Greater Manchester - and want to create towns and cities that are greener, happier and healthier. Part of their remit is to capture what tree planting is happening across the region.

Hilary Wood, from City of Trees, said: "We know individuals and organisations across the region are playing their part to green Greater Manchester. Whether it's a person who has planted a tree in their garden or an organisation that has helped to establish a new community orchard - we want to hear about it. We aim to capture the amazing tree planting activity happening across the region and show how Manchester is truly creating a 'City of Trees'.

"We want to see millions more trees planted across Greater Manchester to transform the region for the benefit of both people and the environment. Trees are essential to the future of our towns and cities - they tackle air pollution, combat climate change, and provide a home for wildlife.

"It's not only about protecting and preserving the ones we have, but planting more of them to ensure future generation can reap the benefits they bring".

As a way of thanking people for sharing their tree planting totals, City of Trees are running 'A Tree for A Tree' scheme which will see them supply a new sapling for every tree that has already been planted. They are also offering free wildflower bird and butterfly seed packs.

The campaign, supported by The Woodland Trust and other partners, runs throughout April. Visit www.cityoftrees.org.uk/big-tree-count.