Suitable sites for a 'healing wood' are being sought on the Shotley peninsula.

Plans are to be pursued to create a new woodland space in memory of those who died from Covid-19, after councillors unanimously gave backing for the project.

A motion was presented to Suffolk County Council's full council meeting on Thursday afternoon by Conservative cabinet member for environment, Richard Rout, to increase tree planting across the county.

As part of that, a 'healing wood' will be created in honour of those who died during the coronavirus pandemic, and provide a space for people to remember their loved ones.

The motion was unanimously approved, meaning officers will now go away and pursue detailed plans.

Mr Rout said: "We are living in an historic time, a time of huge loss to families, communities, nations and the world.

"It is a time we cannot pass without marking it and paying tribute to those who lost their lives.

"We intend to begin exploring with our partners the intention of creating a healing wood in Suffolk to support our communities from the consequences of Covid-19, a place where generations to come can take refuge from their daily lives and reflect on this time, and remember those who have lost their lives."

The motion was been backed by all the political groups.

It is not yet clear whether the healing wood will be one woodland space or several, or which locations may be considered, with further work on options now set to take place.

The council confirmed the new trees being planted, both as part of the healing wood and those elsewhere in the county, would be managed and maintained, and would work alongside district councils on areas appropriate for planting.

Shotley's Viking Project manages Golden Wood, which is home to memorial trees as part of Babergh's initiative to present a sapling for every child born in the district throughout the year.

Other areas of woodland or open space would be considered but only of appropriate and not damaging existing scrubland or wildlife.

Councillor Penny Otton from the Liberal Democrat, Green and Independent group said it would be "essential for people that have, over the last few months, suffered from serious mental health problems."

The motion includes plans for the council to increase tree planting on its own estate, and in other district and boroughs under the mantra "right tree, right place" to ensure they can be managed.

It aims to form a part of the council's response to the climate emergency and encourage biodiversity as well as the social benefits.