The government plans to plant a tree for everyone in the Isle of Man.

A five-year tree planting strategy was announced by the Chief Minister at the 40th anniversary of the arboretum in St John’s.

The government is committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the 85,000 trees it plans to plant should help to offset the island’s CO2 emissions.

In addition, a further 1,000 will be planted in urban areas.

Local authorities, businesses and residents will be asked to identify areas that could benefit from additional trees and businesses will be invited to sponsor the planting of some of the areas of woodlands.

Earlier this month, the government declared a climate change emergency and stated that a Climate Change Bill would be introduced to the branches in the next legislative year.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK said: ’This woodland will be an area truly belonging to the public, with a tree for each resident.

’Our vision is to have more woodlands and trees than the island has had for more than a generation by 2024. This strategy will tie in with a number of government strategies and reflects our commitment to taking immediate action on climate change ahead of the Bill coming into the branches next legislative year.’

The tree planting strategy outlines plans for one woodland made up of 85,000 trees that will cover approximately 150 acres.

The location of the woodland area is still to be determined and officials are reviewing suitable areas within the government estate to plant the native, broadleaf and fruit variety trees.

The woodland will also include public cycling, walking and horse-riding trails.

The Chief Minister planted the first tree to mark the 40th anniversary of the arboretum.

The crab apple tree is one of 35 trees that will be planted to mark each representative of Tynwald.

Mr Quayle used the same silver shovel that was used to plant the first tree of the arboretum.