Over 11,000 trees have been planted as part of an initiative organised by St Albans City & District Council.

Residents had previously shown their anger at the local authority's plan to remove 250 trees across the district, due to them being "dead, dying, diseased, had suffered significant damage or are a health and safety risk".

3,608 of the trees have been planted in the council's own open spaces with Jersey Farm, New Greens Avenue, Camp Open Space and Nomansland benefitting.

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7,646 trees have also been given to residents and community groups for planting in gardens and privately-owned open spaces.

Trees are due to be removed from Bricket Wood, Harpenden, Redbourn, Sandridge, St Albans and Wheathampstead.

The removal of these trees has been described as "outrageous" by Nigel Harvey of Extinction Rebellion St Albans.

However, St Albans City & District Council now aims to ensure that a further 10,000 trees are planted in 2023/24, subject to funding.

Herts Advertiser: St Albans residents protesting the removal of trees on Cell Barnes Lane.St Albans residents protesting the removal of trees on Cell Barnes Lane. (Image: Supplied)

The council’s strategic director for community and place delivery, Chris Traill, said: "One of our priorities is to tackle the climate emergency and cut carbon emissions across the district to net zero by 2030.

“Planting thousands of new trees is one of the many actions we are taking to achieve those ambitious goals.

“It is a considerable achievement to have planted 11,000 new trees during the last planting season and we are aiming for a similar amount in 2023/24 as well, bringing the total to in excess of 20,000 in just two years.

“We couldn’t do this without the support of our residents with thousands of them taking advantage of our great tree giveaway last year to plant free trees in their gardens or open spaces.

"I’m delighted to say that we are planning another tree giveaway and I’m sure it will be equally as successful.”

Speaking of the 250 trees set to be removed by the local authority, Chris Traill added: “That is essential maintenance work which any local authority would have to do to, balancing wildlife needs, the tree’s condition and public safety.

"The trees being replaced are dead, dying, significantly damaged or a safety risk.

“Our formidable tree planting programmes show that we are totally committed to letting trees flourish throughout the District.”