FREE tree-planting packs are available to Warwickshire communities.
The Woodland Trust has once again launched its free tree pack scheme for schools and community groups across the county which can apply for the first 1million trees. The scheme – which will also run next year – is offering 3million trees in total available via the packs.
Packs are sent out twice a year with November packs now available for order. In Spring the uptake was high across the West Midlands with over 41,500 trees dispatched including 9,000 to nearly 100 organisations in Warwickshire.
The Woodland Trust intends for communities to plant trees to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis and the first million trees will be despatched in November during the planting season. The trust welcomes applications from all types of community groups, including those not part of a formal long-standing group – just with a group name decided before they apply.
The packs are available in a range of themes; year-long colour, a wild harvest, or a haven for wildlife. Another contains hardy species which tolerate exposed sites and dry areas or where water collects easily. There is even a working wood mix which could provide wood fuel or willow for weaving.
The trees should be planted on publicly accessible land where possible, with the landowner’s permission, and groups should commit to caring for those trees as they establish and grow.
Senior project lead Vicki Baddeley said: “We’re always amazed by the appetite schools and communities have for tree planting. It is such a wonderful thing to do. It is a positive, life-affirming and life-changing action that people can take to mark momentous occasions like The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, to help tackle the climate and nature crises, or to make their local areas a bit greener. We find that once people have planted one tree, they usually want to do more.
“All the trees planted have a host of different benefits working hard to lock up carbon, improve soils and water, reduce the flow of flooding, provide shade and shelter, create havens for wildlife and a places to enjoy.”
Visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees before August 25 to apply.
