PARENTS in Colne will be able to plant a sapling to herald the arrival of their little acorns in future.
For each new baby born in the town, a tree can now be planted in Ballgrove Country Park in Winewall, Trawden, under a new scheme promoted by Pendle council.
And with hundreds of new births each year across the town, a mini-forest could be created within a decade if the take-up rate for the scheme is significant.
Each year dozens of trees are lost to disease, storms or instability and council aboriculturalists believe the initiative could help to redress the balance.
Every parent who opts to have a tree dedicated to their new son or daughter will receive a certificate of dedication - and the choice of their own tree.
Only indigenous specimens will be available, so the trees will not look out of place with the rest of the country park.
Parks spokesman Dorian Roberts said: "Various other councils have successfully implemented similar schemes, which not only demonstrates involvement by the community but also enforces a sense of ownership for people and for future generations."
It is estimated that the cost of the three, and its planting, will be around £127, with the price borne by the parents taking part.
Parks chiefs are seeking approval for the scheme from members of Pendle council's Colne committee, which meets on Thursday.
Mum-to-be Kate Gorton, 26, from Laneshawbridge, said: "It is a really good idea because it is a different way of remembering one of the happiest events of your life.
"And it will quite special also because the child can see the tree, as he or she grows up, and follows its progress down the years.
"I'm just no sure whether young parents in Colne can afford the £127 when their priorities will be buying cots and baby clothes."
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