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Council officers will be among the latest green-fingered residents to lend a helping hand to the Forest for Peterborough project.

The ambitious programme, spearheaded by Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT), aims to plant one new tree for each member of Peterborough’s estimated 183,600 population.

Rather than being situated in one place, it’s envisaged the forest will consist of a number of wooded corridors connecting different areas of the city.

The 20 year project, launched by television personality and nature lover Clive Anderson in 2010, will enable the city’s communities to enjoy woodland and wildlife in years to come, and increase biodiversity in the city.

The next project is at St Michaels and All Angels Church, in Nene Way, Sutton, on Saturday 24th November.

The Sutton event, which runs from 10am to 5pm, has been sponsored by Peterborough City Council and council officers will be among those attending. The aim is to plant 500 trees around the village’s recreation ground near the church. Peterborough City Council is donating 200 trees. The event is also being supported by Sutton Parish Council and the council expects lots of Sutton residents to get involved with this exciting project.

Peterborough City Council leader Cllr Marco Cereste, who is also the Cabinet Member for Environment Capital, said: “We are delighted to be able to continue our support for the Forest for Peterborough project. We hope members of the public will join us in planting the trees, and we look forward to seeing them flourish and grow.”

Forest for Peterborough project officer for PECT, Joseph Durant, said: “This is a great opportunity for the community to be active and learn more about the wildlife which exists in their local area.”

If you plan to go to the Forest for Peterborough event then the advice is to wrap up warm and wear sturdy footware. Gloves and spades will be provided, but bring your own if possible.

Volunteers are advised to remove any leaves from footwear and car tyres, before and after the planting session, to help prevent any possible spread of Ash dieback disease. PECT officers will be on hand to help volunteers spot for potential signs of Ash dieback.

Planting days are subject to weather conditions. For up to date information visit the Forest for Peterborough Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Forest-for-Peterborough/186965384737115) on the morning of the plant.

Free tea and coffee will be available but you’ll need to bring your own lunch if you plan to stay for a while. Parking will be available.

PECT is always looking to form partnerships with landowners who are willing to host Forest for Peterborough tree planting sessions on their land. PECT will bring the trees and arrange the planting. For further information call Joseph Durant on 01733 882540 or email joseph.durant@pect.org.uk.

To find out more about the Forest for Peterborough project visit www.pect.org.uk/forest