Hewden, the UK's largest plant hirer, is teaming up with local authorities as part of its initiative to help clean up local communities and reduce the impact they have on the environment.

The scheme entitled "Green Communities" forms part of the company's wider "Green Boots" Campaign and will see Hewden provide plant and related equipment, free of charge, to local authorities, charities and volunteer groups to support schemes such as pond clearing and tree planting.

Mark Moody, Quality Manager at Hewden said: "Our aim is to concentrate on projects that would otherwise struggle to get the necessary funding. Having held initial talks with a number of County Councils, we are confident that this will be a huge success."

To be considered for the scheme, local authorities, charities and volunteer groups are being asked to email Hewden@kinrossrender.com with their proposed local initiative. The best initiatives will then we selected and supported by Hewden.

Projects could include local pond clearing programmes, tree planting initiatives, redevelopment and land reclamation, or area beautification. There is no scheme that Hewden would not be prepared to look at. The only conditions are that the loan of equipment must not be a replacement for a scheme that would automatically be funded by the council, threaten local employment, or jeopardise a relationship with an existing building contractors.

Andrew Vaughan, Assistant Countryside Manager at Epping Forrest District Council said: "We very much welcome the scheme. There are a number of local charities and volunteer groups trying to implement simple initiatives that will in turn benefit the local community. Many of these never get off the ground because they're restricted by lack of equipment or funds. With Hewden's help many of these schemes will now take place."