SP Energy Networks (SPEN) has announced a new green partnership with The Tree Council, which will see tens of thousands of trees planted in communities across central and southern Scotland over the next four years.

The partnership is the first of its kind between The Tree Council – charity that works together for the love of trees – and an electricity networks company in Scotland.

Working together, SPEN and The Tree Council aim to plant more than 8,000 trees each year in areas served by the network operator in Scotland, with a specific focus on planting in areas such as parks, schools and community spaces. Hedgerow planting, community orchards and other urban planting schemes will also be supported.

SPEN is investing a total of £500,000 in the partnership, which will be used to provide grant-funding for local planting projects. The scheme will help reduce and offset SPEN's carbon footprint and support its efforts to become a fully sustainable networks business.

Craig Arthur, SPEN's Scotland Distribution Director, said: "Our communities are at the heart of everything we do, and we're committed to minimising the impact of our operations on the climate and nature.

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"That means not only working to decarbonise our network and how we operate to ensure a safe, reliable and resilient electricity supply at all times; it also means actively working to reduce our direct and indirect carbon footprint and ensuring our activities have a net positive impact on people and planet.

"This innovative partnership with The Tree Council takes that commitment to the next level, with a dedicated funding and support programme – driven by local communities – that will create a green living legacy in cities, towns and villages across central and southern Scotland. We're proud to be giving back in this way and I can't wait to see which projects come forward for funding."

The Tree Council CEO, Sara Lom, said: "Trees and hedgerows are heroes of nature.

"They provide city shade and homes for wildlife, improve air quality and capture carbon, while bringing joy and colour to local communities.

"We're delighted to launch this 'tree-mendous' new partnership with SP Energy Networks to bring more trees into more people's lives, across central and southern Scotland."

The four-year programme will operate a competitive application process annually, with grants approved solely for the subsequent planting season, between November and March.

One group who is currently being supported by The Tree Council is the Friends of Elder Park in Govan. Its Chair, Annie Morgan, welcomed The Tree Council's new partnership with SP Energy Networks, saying: "Our connection with The Tree Council has been very important to us and it's great that this new partnership will give more people the chance to enjoy trees, get up close to nature and enjoy lovely open spaces. I hope lots of people get involved."

The focus of the SPEN partnership will be on planting British trees, ideally of local provenance, with biodegradable tree protection shelters as required.

As part of the partnership, community volunteering days will provide help getting the trees in the ground, and delivering the crucial care and maintenance needed outside the planting season.