A borough council in East Lancashire has planted two redwood groves to mark its 50th anniversary.
Ribble Valley Borough Council planted the trees in Clitheroe and Longridge and is to plant further giant redwoods throughout the borough to mark its golden jubilee on April 1.
The ‘golden groves’, which the council says are carbon busting, have been planted at Edisford in Clitheroe and at St John’s playing fields in Longridge.
A further 40 trees will be planted at parishes throughout the borough over the coming weeks.
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Giant redwoods are the tallest trees on the planet and are capable of storing hundreds of tonnes of carbon through ‘sequestration’, the process by which trees capture and store carbon in their roots and branches.
One giant redwood can store more carbon than a hectare of woodland and 250 times more than the average tree.
Mayor of the Ribble Valley Councillor Mark Hindle said: “In 1974, climate change was barely heard of, so we wanted to commemorate our 50th anniversary with an eye on the next 50 years, and these carbon-busting ‘golden groves’ are the perfect way.
“Giant redwoods exude great presence, giving a real sense that you are meeting one of nature’s wonders, and we are delighted to be part of a global move to preserve, celebrate and utilise these majestic trees.”
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The council’s countryside officer, David Hewitt, added: “Giant redwoods have been in the news recently for their incredible ability to soak up and store greenhouse gas.
“They are the ultimate botanical status symbol and have an important future role to play in tackling climate change.”
The Clitheroe and Longridge redwood groves will be visible from several vantage points, including for wheelchair and pushchair users, so residents and visitors can watch these majestic trees take shape over the coming years.
Ribble Valley Borough Council has set aside £1 million for projects marking its 50th anniversary, along with £500,000 for improvements to the Clitheroe Castle grounds.
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