Thousands more trees being planted for A417 Missing Link project

15,000 trees are being planted by National Highways on the A417 Missing Link project in Gloucestershire

This is part of the major A417 upgrade alongside its main contractor Kier.

Further planting will take place up until April, before planting continues in the autumn, in total 130,000 trees and shrubs will be planted across the scheme by the time it is completed.

Celine Acard, Senior Project Manager for the A417 Missing Link, said: "We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously, especially on the Missing Link, which flows through a National Landscape.

“Tree planting and green spaces are a key part of our commitments - we're working to plant 130,000 trees throughout the scheme’s construction, helping to support the environment, boost biodiversity and benefit the communities we serve.

“We are constantly reviewing the success of our tree planting schemes and will continue to monitor and adapt our practices to respond to a rapidly changing climate and meet the challenges that brings.”

Natasha James, Senior Ecologist for Kier, added: “We’re creating a more sustainable future by implementing nature-positive initiatives that enhance biodiversity. The work on the Missing Link is a testament to that commitment and it’s great to see a major project taking such care of the environment.

“Tree planting is one of many environmental benefits of the A417 Missing Link scheme and will help to improve the connectivity and habitats across the Cotswold escarpment. Great care is being taken to ensure this schemes planting is robust and successful”.