THOUSANDS of new trees will be planted in Somerset – one for every child born in the county over the next three years.

County councillors agreed that, based on current birth rates and the rate of people moving to the county, more than 15,000 trees could end up being planted until 2023.

The council believes the move will help to combat climate change and leave a lasting legacy for younger generations.

The “baby trees motion” was put forward by Cllr Liz Leyshon when the full council met to agree its annual budget.

She said: “We call upon the council to acknowledge the further pressures of ash die-back and the loss of mature trees in recent storms.

“Planting trees is beneficial to the environment in the face of accelerating climate change. As we plant trees, they help support our wildlife and improve our natural environment, as well as reduce the concentration of harmful gases contributing to climate change.”

Under the proposal, the county and district councils will work with local communities and landowners to ensure that new trees are planted “equal to or in excess of” the number of babies born in the county between now and 2023.

The number of children will not only include live births, but also stillbirths and those who moved to the county with their parents or guardians.

There were 5,470 births in Somerset in 2016, according to the Somerset Intelligence website – meaning if trends continue more than 16,400 trees could be planted over the next three years.

The council voted to approve the proposal, with funding being set aside for the tree planting within its revenue budget.