OSWESTRY Town Council has confirmed it is investigating a fund that could help its aspiration to plant 17,000 trees in greater area.

The second round of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund opened this week, and it is designed for community and volunteer groups, town councils and individuals to apply for a share of the £10million pot to increase tree numbers in urban areas through small scale planting projects.

Town clerk Arren Roberts said the council would be interested in investigating the fund, but also insisted that the current coronavirus outbreak may affect future plans.

He said: "I think we would say that this is positive news and that the council will consider all forms of government funding.

"It is however quite difficult to plan ahead given the current circumstances."

The scheme is being administered by the Forestry Commission, with applications for single planting projects of between 150 and 5,000 small trees invited. Applications that contain 500 or more trees are especially encouraged.

Grants will fund the planting of trees and the first three years of their care to ensure they can flourish into the future.

The grant will be delivered as a challenge fund, and therefore requires 50 per match funding from those who apply, through either money or labour.

Forestry Commission Chair Sir William Worsley, said: "The value of trees in urban areas cannot be underestimated.

"They provide homes for birds and other wildlife, offer shade and natural cooling effects, help to reduce flood risk, and provide huge benefits for our health and wellbeing."