A total of 2,022 trees have now been planted in Greenwich, a key goal in the borough's bid to become carbon neutral, and completed a year early.

Council leaders were joined by pupils from a local primary school to mark the milestone, described as a "clear symbol of the council's commitment to fighting the climate emergency."

The 2,022nd tree was a special tree too, a dawn redwood tree planted in the beautiful East Greenwich Pleasaunce. The deciduous conifer tree is an endangered species is an endangered species, and can also reach at least 50 metres in height.

Adel Khaireh, the council's cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Equalities, said: “Meeting our target of planting 2,022 trees so far in advance is a clear symbol of the Council’s commitment to fighting the climate emergency.

"The act of planting a tree represents hope for the future and after this difficult year it’s important that we look ahead with positivity.”

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Cllr Khaireh was joined pupils from Halstow Primary School, Cllr Danny Thorpe, leader of the Greenwich Council, and Denise Scott-McDonald, the cabinet member for economy and skills at the event.

The council say they place "great importance" on trees in the borough as they play a vital role in helping keep the air clean and they add beauty to the borough’s green spaces and streets.

In fact, some have been in the borough for centuries. The oak tree opposite Shrewsbury Tumulus is about 500 years old, and another oak in Beaconsfield Close, is thought to be around 400 years old.

Cllr Danny Thorpe said: “The planting of trees across the borough is a key objective of the Council’s Carbon Neutral Plan.

"In 2016, we set a target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of the national target.

"Protecting and enhancing our green spaces will make us more resilient to climate change, as trees store carbon, and help contribute to carbon neutral living.”