A major school wide biodiversity project has planted its first roots.

Pupils across Denbighshire have helped plant the first of thousands of trees that will be distributed across the county’s schools to tackle climate change and the nature emergency.

Approximately 9,000 trees will be planted at school sites as part of a project to improve local biodiversity and increase carbon absorption.

Council staff from Climate Change, Biodiversity and Countryside have worked with Ysgol Bro Cinmeirch in Llanrhaeadr, Ysgol Dewi Sant in Rhyl and Prestatyn High School to embark on this project.

Council staff are also working with other schools to enhance existing grounds to add interest for children and wildlife whilst still ensuring space for recreational play is preserved.

Other schools involved include: Ysgol Bro Famau, Ysgol Bodnant, Ysgol Melyd, Ysgol Carreg Emlyn, Ysgol Clocaenog, Ysgol Esgob Morgan, Ysgol Dewi Sant and Ysgol Penmorfa.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport for the Council, said: “It is fantastic to see such a major project get underway that will support and improve our local biodiversity. We are really pleased that the schools have got involved and more so that the pupils are helping us tackle climate change in the county.”

The Council declared a climate and Ecological Emergency in 2019 and committed to seeking to become a Net Carbon Zero and more Ecologically Positive Council by 2030.

Nearly 5,000 trees were planted at the beginning of 2022 across Denbighshire creating new woodland sites to help reduce carbon emissions and promote nature’s recovery.

These were in addition to the planting of over 18,000 trees across the county as part of the Council’s Corporate Plan focus on the preservation of the natural environment and also maintaining and enhancing of biodiversity within Denbighshire.