BBC’s Countryfile will be showcasing the work being done in Bradford to plant trees on its programme this weekend. 

Presenter Anita Rani, who is originally from the city, along with the production team visited the Canterbury estate in Little Horton last month to look at the work being done by Bradford Council and Better Place Bradford to involve the local community in tree planting and improving the environment.

The programme, to be screened on BBC One at 6.15pm on Sunday, coincides with National Tree Planting Week.

It sees the launch of Countryfile’s Plant Britain campaign, a two-year drive to get people planting, wherever they live, to help combat climate change and for improved wellbeing and wildlife.

The production team spent a day on Canterbury to look at the partnership work between Better Place Bradford, Bradford Council and Groundwork to engage residents in tree planting and creating greener spaces.

The Festival of Trees initiative involved the Better Place Bradford team offering free trees and shrubs to residents to plant in their gardens.

During October half term, a total of 146 small trees were planted in people’s gardens, 37 large trees in Horton Park Primary School field and Horton Park and four large trees outside the ARC community centre.  

Sunday night’s programme will include an interview with Glyn Levis of Trees for Cities, a charity which works to connect urban populations with nature, cultivate lasting change and deliver the multiple benefits of urban trees for today's and future generations.

Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “We were delighted that the programme chose to film in Bradford.

"It gave us a fantastic opportunity to share some of the work going on in our district to bring greener, cleaner environments to our communities. A great deal is being done to reduce carbon emissions and encourage people to do their bit for a more sustainable future. But tree planting is something everyone can see and understand, and it provides multiple benefits.”

Gill Thornton, Programme Manager Better Start Bradford, added: “We are thrilled that the programme were there to film our project Better Place Bradford planting 187 trees in the community, and to highlight the role that they are playing in a combined effort to improve the quality of outdoor spaces in our area of Bradford.

“The tree planting took place in Little Horton and as part of the Festival of Trees and the Council’s ‘Tree for Every Child’ campaign. These campaigns are such a wonderful way to get people involved in the important role that trees play in our communities, helping to improve air quality and to house nature.”

David Eliot, CEO of Trees for Cities, said: "We are incredibly proud to be involved in the launch of the fantastic Plant Britain campaign in Bradford.

"These new trees will help inspire a new generation to plant and protect urban trees and will also bring a multitude of benefits, including tackling the climate crisis, cleaning our air, protecting against flood risk and creating habitats for wildlife.

"This project also highlights Bradford's wider contribution to urban forestry. The city was recently awarded 'Tree Cities of the World' recognition - a world-first in an initiative led by Trees for Cities in the UK. We would like to thank the Arbor Day Foundation for their support in this initiative and for their funding towards this project that can be enjoyed for today's and future generations."