Councillors and members of the Essex Rural Partnership took part in a tree planting ceremony at Great Notley Country Park to celebrate the launch of the Essex Rural Strategy.

The strategy, which was officially launched earlier this year, sets out keys areas of focus in rural communities including housing and employment.

The rowan tree was originally used as a feature during the launch event for the partnership earlier in the year, where members were invited to tie pledges to its branches.

Councillor Simon Walsh, cabinet member for environment and waste at Essex County Council, and chair of Essex Rural Partnership, said: “With over two thirds of the county classified as rural, the Essex Rural Strategy is a really important statement of intent from the all partners that have had a hand in developing it.

“The planting of the pledge tree is a great way of demonstrating the commitment all partners have made to delivering the strategy and promoting and improving our unique and valuable rural communities for the benefit of residents, business and visitors.”