National Highways has awarded nearly £3 million to a nursery in West Sussex to support its tree planting plans.

The company took the measures to support its goal to plant an additional three million trees by 2030.

National Highways will work with Greenwood Plants, near Arundel in West Sussex to grow millions of native trees from seed, over a five-year period, in batches ready for planting for five years from autumn 24/25.

Species will include Holly, Scots Pine, Oak, Rowan and Beech. They will be grown at peat-free nurseries in Arundal, West Sussex and The Wirral, in Cheshire.

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Speaking on the announcement, Malcolm Dare, National Highways Executive Director, said: "The positive impacts of trees and green spaces on the environment are significant, which is why I am proud to be awarding today’s significant funding to Greenwood Plants.

"We are all aware of the consequences of climate change, proving that we can no longer afford to be indifferent or complacent about this issue. That’s why we’re doing all we can to tackle the ecological problems we face by investing in vital projects like these to improve our road network."

Commenting on their involvement, Melanie Asker, Managing Director at Greenwood Plants, said: "We are really proud to be supporting National Highways in their goals of reaching Net Zero and improving biodiversity across the country, principles that are very close to our heart here at Greenwood."