How you can plant a tree and help make the Harborough area a greener place

New efforts are being made to make Harborough and Leicestershire even greener by planting hundreds more trees.

The Leicestershire County Council eco initiative is going ahead as National Tree Week gets under way, marking the start of the winter planting season.

The UK's largest annual tree celebration kicked off with a maple tree planting at County Hall in Glenfield.

The council has again teamed up with the Woodland Trust to offer free packs of trees to local landowners and farmers in a bid to help restore Leicestershire’s woodland and hedgerows.

But you’ll have to quick out of the blocks to apply as the deadline is Tuesday December 1 with deliveries being made shortly after.

The council will be sharing images across its social media channels of its country parks.

Cllr Blake Pain, deputy leader of the county council who planted the new Maple tree at County Hall, said: “National Tree Week is an opportunity for us to raise awareness of the important role trees play in our communities - and a reminder that the best time to plant a tree is now.

“Leicestershire is proud to be a green council.

“We are committed to tackling climate change and laying down the roots to protect local wildlife habitats.”

He added: “Trees are an essential resource that provide a wide range of environmental, economic and social benefits.

“Our focus is to continue to build upon our ever-growing green infrastructure to ensure a tree-filled future for Leicestershire.”

For more information on Leicestershire’s free tree initiatives to help replenish rural land, woodland and farms, visit https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/free-tree-schemesAnd to keep up to date with the council’s Tree Week activities, follow its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels at @LeicsCountyHall