The Woodland Trust is handing out free trees as part of a multi-year initiative to get millions of trees planted across the country.
They’re urging schools and communities to join them in the fight against climate change and nature loss by taking part in the latest round of the scheme which began a number of years ago.
The trust now wants to reach the remarkable milestone of five million free trees planted across the UK since 2020.
Applications for the charity’s latest tree-pack giveaway are now open – and schools and community groups are being called on to help boost the numbers of trees being planted.
Senior project lead Vicki Baddeley said: “We’re so proud of the numbers of free trees we’ve been able to give away, knowing they’ll be planted where they can really make a difference – in school grounds and out in the community.
“We’re in the grip of a climate and nature crisis which can’t be overcome without concerted action, so I’d urge every school or community group who can, to get involved and plant more trees!
“Applying is easy and all saplings are fully funded – all you need is time and a small piece of land to plant on.”
The last round of the trust’s free tree-packs scheme delivered a total of 540,630 saplings to 3,272 organisations across the UK.
This includes 55,080 trees which went to 347 schools and community groups in the North West:
- Cheshire – 10,260 trees to 67 organisations
- Manchester – 3,375 trees to 22 organisations
- Greater Manchester – 13,500 trees to 96 organisations
- Lancashire – 22,680 trees to 119 organisations
- Merseyside – 5,265 trees to 43 organisations
It includes a further 44,775 trees which were given to 305 schools and community groups in the West Midlands:
- Herefordshire – 5,100 trees to 26 organisations
- Shropshire – 5,580 trees to 30 organisations
- Staffordshire – 6,840 trees to 63 organisations
- Warwickshire – 4,755 trees to 40 organisations
- West Midlands – 16,410 trees to 106 organisations
- Worcestershire – 6,090 trees to 40 organisations
It also includes 36,795 trees handed over to 227 schools and community groups in the East Midlands:
- Derbyshire – 11,100 trees to 66 organisations
- Leicestershire – 8,655 trees to 53 organisations
- Lincolnshire – 7,080 trees to 45 organisations
- Nottinghamshire – 9,450 trees to 59 organisations
- Rutland – 510 trees to four organisations
The Woodland Trust says trees are one of our strongest defences against the climate and nature crisis.
Research has shown trees can help combat the effects of flooding, pollution and extreme weather and temperatures.
They’re also described as the ultimate carbon store. They provide havens for wildlife and people, and make the planet a healthier, happier place for everyone.
The Woodland Trust is committed to planting another 50 million native trees across the UK by 2030 and is urging people to get behind its mission to plant more and help create a greener world.
Ms Baddeley said: “In just a few years, these trees will have grown big enough to lock away carbon and be a thriving habitat for wildlife.
“They’ll offer free shade and shelter and help make the community space or playground – and the people who have access to it, happier and healthier.
“It would be incredible if we can reach a total of five million (since 2020) this year – what an achievement and contribution that would be.
“There’s no time like the present, so sign up and take advantage of the scheme.”
The Woodlands Trust has given away almost 14 million trees since 2010.
If schools and communities rise to the challenge and claim the 800,000 saplings available in the current round, that figure will be close to a staggering 15 million trees – which is an average of more than a million trees planted every year.
The Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK with more than 500,000 supporters.
It aims to see a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, and has three key aims:
- protect ancient woodland – which is rare, unique and irreplaceable
- restore damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life
- establish native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife
Established in 1972, the trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 29,000 hectares.
Access to its woodland is free so everyone can benefit from woods and trees.
The trust also has a ‘Plant More Trees’ climate campaign with a mission to plant 50 million new trees across the UK by 2030.
Free trees for schools and communities
The Woodland Trust is giving away hundreds of thousands of trees to schools and communities to make sure everybody in the UK has the chance to plant a tree.
To apply, or see terms and conditions, visit: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees
