England’s ‘tree deserts’ need more trees to tackle soaring temperatures in towns and cities, according to a new report by the Woodland Trust.

Shading from trees can reduce surface temperatures by more than 10°C, but 11 million people in the UK currently live in tree deserts – defined as having less than 10% tree cover.

The new report from the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity highlights the positive effects of trees on climate, flooding, air pollution, health and wellbeing, but reveals that the most economically disadvantaged communities often live in areas worst affected by low tree cover.