MORE than 800 new trees and saplings have been planted in Worcester this winter in a bid to reduce air pollution and enhance the city’s appearance.

This week cherry, plum, pear, and rowan trees have been planted in Sidbury and Dolday – areas which regularly experience high volumes of traffic.

The tree species have been selected for good colour and suitability for limited growth space.

In total 21 saplings have been planted by the Commandery Road, Newport and Cattlemarket car parks.

The planting has been made possible thanks to support from the national charity Trees for Cities, and funding from the Rowlands Trust and W A Cadbury Charitable Trust.

UK projects manager Kathy Silenga said: “In a single year one mature leafy tree produces enough oxygen to allow ten people to breathe, and absorbs as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide.

“That's why we need more trees in our cities, and the 800 planted in Worcester will grow to make a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of local residents."

Four hundred hazel saplings have been planted in Warndon Wood, in a bid to improve and protect the habitat for bluebells.

Volunteers from the Friends of Warndon Villages and pupils from St George's RC primary school have helped with the extensive planting operation.

Two hundred hazel trees were planted in Brickfields Park as well as a number of maple, birch, pine and oak saplings.

Trees have been planted in a number of other parks and open spaces across the city, including Power Park in St Peter’s, Diglis Playing Fields and Pitchcroft.

Volunteers from many organisations including the University of Worcester, Heart of Worcestershire College and Regency High School have helped with this extensive planting operation.

As well as improving air quality, trees can also help to reduce noise pollution, wind speeds, improve the ability of urban areas to cope with heavy rain and provide shade protection from powerful ultraviolet rays.