Slough Borough Council is set to become the first UK authority to pilot an environmentally aware 'urban forest'.

The council has secured funding from the Government's Urban Tree Challenge to develop an urban forest whose success will depend on data from environmental sensors. This will cover soil moisture, root nutrition, sap flow, tree girth and air quality.

Slough will be trialling newly developed sensor technology developed by SSE Enterprise under the name Mayflower Smart Cities and Places - to provide ongoing data about people and places to help build the 'city of the future'.

An App Store will be used to integrate information and develop a five to 20 year plan that would indicate where best to plant trees to most improve quality of life for residents.

It is also hoped to use the App to increase biodiversity for both flora and fauna in the borough while reducing air pollution levels and 'urban heat islands' that build up in residential areas.

Stephen Stead, director of strategy and digital services for SSE Enterprise, said: “It’s very exciting for us to have the chance to pilot this technology in tandem with Slough Borough Council to help build this unique urban forest. Smart environmental sensors will help trees thrive in urban spaces where their benefit can be felt the most. It’s a simple but smart way to improve the environment.

A spokesperson for Slough Borough Council commented: “The approval of our funding application for the Urban Tree Challenge Fund demonstrates not only our commitment to the Urban Forest, but also the significance of our existing pilot projects."