Column by Steve Reade, South Gloucestershire Council's cabinet member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure.

This year’s National Tree Week is very timely. Leaders from 100 nations at COP26 pledged to end deforestation by 2030 and to start reforestation, in a landmark agreement that includes some 85 per cent of the world’s forests.

In South Gloucestershire, I am proud to say that we already have our own ambitious tree-planting targets in place and work is well underway to identify where we can add the right varieties of trees to help achieve our commitment to plant enough trees by 2030 to double the district’s tree canopy, as part of our aim to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

We know that can’t do it alone, which is why we have been encouraging everyone to get involved. Individual action really does make a difference. To mark National Tree Week, we are giving away 250 free tree vouchers. You can either plant a tree at home, buying from one of three local tree nurseries, or ask the Forest of Avon to plant one on your behalf.

There is enough suitable space in our district to plant the trees to meet our targets and we have identified 30,000 locations for planting on council owned land. Of course there is also lots of suitable land that is privately owned as well. That is why we are working with landowners, partners and planners to identify locations for tree- planting and make the land available.

Trees are essential to life on our planet, as well as being lovely to look at as they add to our natural landscapes. Trees remove harmful carbon dioxide from the air and produce oxygen; they provide food, support wildlife, provide shade and help to prevent flooding and soil erosion. The simple act of planting a tree or donating a tree to the Forest of Avon is a meaningful act we can all take, not only for our own benefit, but our children, grandchildren and for future generations.

To claim a free tree voucher, visit southglos.gov.uk/treeweek and follow the instructions. For more information about tree management in South Gloucestershire visit southglos.gov.uk/trees.