Free trees up for grabs
01 Aug 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Residents and community groups in Northumberland are being encouraged to do their bit to help the natural environment through the County Council’s free tree scheme.
Northumberland County Council is offering 15,000 tree saplings to residents, schools, community groups, town and parish councils as well as charities and businesses to help make Northumberland a greener and cleaner place to be.
Groups can choose from Hedge, Copse or Native Harvest species and residents will be given a choice of species depending on their garden size, whether small, medium or large, and even those with limited outdoor space, such as balconies, can apply.
Saplings are now available to order online at tree-scheme.northumberland.gov.uk/SelfService
There will be collection points across the county and confirmation and location pick up will be sent out to applicants three weeks prior to the collection date.
The tree saplings on offer are small cell grown plants, sourced from the UK, and come provided with a biodegradable shelter guard, cane and planting and aftercare instructions.
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Council Leader and Cabinet member for climate change said: “The council is committed to protecting our environment and we want to support everyone in the county to help enhance our natural landscape.
“This is the fourth year the free tree scheme has been running and every year I’m always so pleased to see just how many people come forward to claim and plant a tree.
“It’s fantastic to visit community groups who have come together to get outdoors, work together and create something for generations to come.”
Over 10,000 saplings were given out in 2022, which will all go towards improving air quality and help the council in its ambition to make Northumberland carbon neural by 2030.
Councillor Sanderson added: “It’s no secret that trees come with scores of benefits not only to the environment, but tree planting can bring people together, provide educational opportunities and improve the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.”
The Council is focusing on how the natural environment can help mitigate the effects of climate change and is taking the lead on the North East’s nature recovery which will outline plans to reduce and mitigate flooding, improve carbon sequestration through peatlands, trees and woodlands and enhance biodiversity through wildlife conservation.
To find out more about what Northumberland County Council is doing to tackle climate change and enhance the environment, please visit www.northumberland.gov.uk/climatechange.