More than 15,000 trees are set to be planted to restore areas impacted by disease and habitat loss.

Some £273,400 from the government’s Nature for Climate Fund is being used to plant 15,000 whips and 350 standard trees over the next two years in Sittingbourne and on Sheppey.

Planting will begin this coming winter, with 10,000 whips and 200 trees to be divided between Queenborough, Rushenden, Minster, Kemsley, Murston, Leysdown and Eastchurch.

These will replace trees lost naturally and because of human activity as part of Swale council’s climate and ecological emergency action plan.

When planted the whips will be under a metre tall and consist of a thin stem and few branches and will have biodegradable tree shelters to protect them. These will grow into fully matured trees.

Also, a variety of native trees will be planted including apple, pine, birch, oak, willow, maple and lime.

The trees will be monitored and maintained for three years with monthly visits for the first eight months, at a minimum.

Blenwood Grounds Maintenance is working in partnership with the council and will be seeking the help of volunteers.

Cllr Rich Lehmann, chairman of the council’s environment committee, said the successful bid for funding was “great news”.

He added: “With these funds, we will be able to plant more trees around the borough as well as maintain them over a three-year period.

“Whips will be planted to reforest areas, and standard trees will be being planted to line our existing green spaces and urban areas.

“This investment into our natural environment will continue to bear fruits for our communities for years to come as the trees grow and mature.

“This will make Swale a greener place and create habitats to support our ecosystems, while also helping reduce the risks of flooding and remove carbon from our atmosphere.

“We would like to thank the Forestry Commission for this funding and look forward to seeing more green in our borough.

“Please look out for opportunities to volunteer with us to plant these trees, we would love for the community to be involved with this amazing project.”