Environment Secretary Michael Gove praised Cambridgeshire’s biggest tree nursery for being at ‘the cutting edge’ of protecting the environment.
Mr Gove visited Ely-based Barcham Trees, in Barway, this afternoon ahead of launching the government’s first tree health strategy tomorrow.
He had a tour of the 300-acre site alongside MP for South East Cambridgeshire Lucy Frazer and managing director Mark Glover.
It comes as it was announced earlier this week that rules curbing pollution from household wood burners and fires will be brought in as part of efforts to cut dirty air.
The Conservative politician announced that the clean air strategy is intended to cut the cost of air pollution to society by £1 billion a year by 2020, and by £2.5 billion a year by 2030.
While visiting Barcham Trees he said he was ‘incredibly impressed’ with the nursery’s commitment to protecting against harmful substances via biodiversity.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit. When Lucy Frazer MP told me to come here, I knew that I would be visiting one of the most fascinating and impressive nursery’s in the world,” he said.
“I have been incredibly impressed with Barcham’s commitment to biosecurity and also the fact that they are producing some beautiful and iconic trees which will ensure that across the UK that people will have access to natural beauty.”
Mr Gove was set to visit other businesses in and around Ely later today.
He last visited the city as Secretary of State for Education - a position he held from 2010 to 2014.
“I am one of the people that Lucy has brought here in order to ensure we do what we can at the centre of government to help people in this part of Cambridgeshire, and specifically Ely, to achieve everything they can in the future,” he added.
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