New trees costing £4,000 have been planted in a Swindon park.

Swindon Borough Council committed to increasing its tree canopy cover in 2020 and implemented a tree-planting policy to reflect that ambition.

A step towards this has been enacted in Gorse Hill where new trees have been planted throughout St Mark’s Recreation Ground.

Swindon Advertiser: St Mark's Recreation Ground has received some new trees.St Mark's Recreation Ground has received some new trees. (Image: Newsquest)

Central Swindon North Parish Council (CSNPC) gained 'Green Flag' status for St Marks Park in 2023 meaning long-term maintenance and enhancement plans were in place to ensure it is kept to a standard of excellence.

Councillor Ray Ballman initially committed £4,000 in monies from her Ward Member Allowance to support the tree planting that is taking place.

The project will now receive significant external support from Trees for Climate Change to deliver.

Swindon Advertiser: The new trees in the Gorse Hill park.The new trees in the Gorse Hill park. (Image: Newsquest)

“Over the past several years CSNPC has been working with organisations such as the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Swindon Borough Council to deliver on its commitment,” said Andrew Briggs, CSNPC’s head of operations.

“I am proud to say we have successfully planted more than 5000 trees in that time using predominantly external funding from schemes such as 'Trees for Climate Change' and 'Queens Green Canopy'.

“The trees are being planted to create an avenue for park users to enjoy and to provide some much-needed colour throughout the changing seasons.”