ALMOST 2,000 trees have been planted by volunteers as part of a programme to bring nature back into the streets and tackle climate change.

Eastbourne Borough Council has declared a climate emergency and has set a target of 2030 for the town to be carbon neutral.

The Treebourne team within the volunteer-run Eastbourne ECO Action Network is working with the council to plant trees on public and private land.

Treebourne aims to plant 11,000 trees at Sevenoaks Road Recreation Ground, followed by a further 3,000 at Tugwell Park in the new year.

Councillor Jonathan Dow, cabinet member for climate change at Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “By planting thousands of trees we can not only help the battle against climate change, but also improve the quality of the natural environment for local residents.

“We’re also tackling the scourge of Ash dieback disease and Dutch Elm disease, so Treebourne’s work is absolutely vital.”

Adam Rose, Treebourne co-leader, said: “At Sevenoaks Rec we’re creating a nature park for the community with woodland areas, feature trees, wildlife habitats and wildflower meadows.

“There will be pathways through the woods and new seating.”

Treebourne co-leader Hazel Brent added: “Trees not only help to offset our carbon dioxide emissions, they have so many other benefits too. They’re a haven for wildlife and they absorb toxic pollution and improve air quality.”

Further planting sessions are taking place on most days in the run up to Christmas. For more information, visit www.treebourne.org/sevenoaks-rec.