MORE trees have been planted at an open space in Braintree in a bid to prevent flooding.

Braintree Council has planted ten new trees at Bradford Meadows, near Coldnailhurst Avenue.

The trees should help prevent flooding in the green space and can act as a canopy cover.

The trees were planted through a partnership between Braintree Council and County Hall’s Essex Forest initiative and capital floods programme.

Bradford Meadows was identified as an ideal location for the new trees due to its urban location.

Braintree and Witham Times: Area - an entrance into Bradford MeadowsArea - an entrance into Bradford Meadows (Image: Google Maps)

County Hall climate czar and Braintree Council deputy environment boss Peter Schwier said: "I am delighted that this partnership working with Essex Forest Initiative has provided us with ten new relatively mature trees in Braintree.

“Trees in town centres help us to live with our changing climate, by alleviating flooding in wetter winters, soaking up ground water, and providing shade and a cooling effect during hotter summers.

“They also remove carbon from the atmosphere.

"These trees are an investment that will benefit our residents for generations to come.”

Funding for the planting came from the Forestry Commission’s Urban Tree Challenge Fund, a government scheme which helps provide thousands of pounds worth of funding for eligible landowners.

Three European hornbeam, three European hop-hornbeam, two European nettles, and two red birch trees were planted for the project.

Braintree Council said the tree species were chosen because of their resilience to climate change and adverse weather.

Braintree Council chairman Diana Garrod said: “This is a fantastic example of partnership work with Essex County Council directly benefitting Braintree residents.

“These trees will enhance what is already a beautiful green space in our town centre.”

For more information on the Urban Tree Challenge Fund, visit gov.uk/guidance/urban-tree-challenge-fund.