WATER companies in England have pledged to plant 11 million new trees by 2030 as part of efforts to make the industry carbon-neutral.

The firms will be planting trees on around 15,000 acres (6,000 hectares) of land across England, as well as supporting work to restore original woodland and improving habitats that store carbon.

Some trees will be planted on land owned by the utilities but land for planting will also be provided by partners including local authorities, the National Trust, The Wildlife Trusts and the RSPB, industry body Water UK said.

The scheme will include planting trees in towns and cities and is in addition to the Northern Forest plans which will involve the planting of 50 million trees.

The Woodland Trust has agreed to work with the water companies to identify sites and manage the planting programme once it has been developed, Water UK said.

Richard Flint, chief executive of Yorkshire Water, which is helping to co-ordinate the project, said: "As an industry, the water sector is committed to fighting climate change through becoming carbon-neutral by 2030.

"Our ambitious pledge announced today will go a long way to meeting that target, and will also deliver greater biodiversity, improved water quality and better flood protection."

Government-appointed tree champion Sir William Worsley welcomed the pledge.

"Trees are carbon sinks, provide crucial habitats for precious wildlife, mitigate flood risk and provide a valuable renewable resource in timber - and I encourage other industries to follow Water UK's excellent example to ensure we boost planting rates across the country."

John Tucker, director of woodland creation at The Woodland Trust, said: "Trees and woods in the right place can deliver a multitude of benefits and we urgently need a massive expansion in our tree cover if we are to adapt to future climate change."

Guy Shrubsole, campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: “Doubling the UK’s tree cover is crucial in the fight against climate breakdown, so it’s great to see this commitment coming from some of our biggest water companies.

“Large landholders, including water companies, have an opportunity and responsibility to use their land in the best way for the planet. We’re therefore challenging landowners everywhere to reintroduce trees and offering to help them on that journey.”

The industry already has plans in place to plant the first 2.5 million of the 11 million trees. The next priority will be to identify additional sites across England which are appropriate for tree planting or habitat restoration.

The Government’s committee on climate change aims to increase UK woodland coverage from 13% of land to 17% to help meet the target for ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050.