The Tree Council and Network Rail are aiming to plant thousands of trees in hundreds of communities across the country as their award-winning partnership is renewed for an additional five-year period.

While the previous agreement resulted in the successful planting of more than 350,000 saplings in 180 communities, along with aftercare to secure the trees’ future, the new contract sees Network Rail pledging £1.2 million towards tree establishment and care across three Network Rail regions in England—Eastern, Northwest and Central, and Southern—along with the company’s national Route Services function. The renewed partnership supports Network Rail’s ambition to achieve biodiversity net gain across its land by 2035.

The Tree Council will support local authorities, community groups, and other conservation organisations to establish trees, hedgerows, and orchards, nationwide, from small “tree whips” to more mature specimens. These efforts will help tackle climate change and empower communities to improve their surroundings and benefit from improved green spaces, increased tree canopy cover, better air quality, richer wildlife, and biodiversity. The programme also aims to deliver positive social value, teaching new skills and inspiring young people to explore green careers.