Norwich City Council has voted to support a Green Party amendment to the budget, which will mean £45,000 will go towards planting the flora this year.

It will form part of the authority's bid to reach 30pc tree cover in each of its 13 wards.

The cash agreed this week will be used to plant 100 standard trees, which have already been grown to a size of about 6ft, meaning they will have a faster effect on coverage than planting saplings.

Each tree costs about £459.

Haymarket in Norwich. (Image: Eden Dorrell)

At the meeting this week, Toby Bolton, a Green councillor, urged Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors to support the extra money.

He said: "Tree coverage will not be achieved without a concerted effort. This will enhance biodiversity and improve wellbeing."

Mr Bolton also urged Norfolk County Council to work with City Hall to support its ambition of boosting tree coverage in the city, such as along highways it has responsibility for.

Another Green idea put forward by the party's councillors was for City Hall to invest £55,000 in efforts to support educating people on rivers.

Canoeists enjoy a trip down the River Wensum in Norwich during the hot spell of weather. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Green group wants to see a "river health education programme" developed to introduce engagement with schools and community groups to teach them about water quality and pollution prevention.

This would include developing a Norwich River Festival, which would celebrate the River Wensum flowing through the city.

Signage costing £15,000 could also be installed along the river to provide information about the Wensum.

Gary Champion, a Green councillor, said: "This will strengthen community stewardship of our natural assets.

"The Wensum is not just a scenic backdrop, it is a defining feature of the city. But it faces real pressures from pollution."

Ultimately, both amendments were approved by councillors unanimously.

© Eastern Daily Press