The Woodland Trust is giving away hundreds of thousands of trees to schools, community groups, sports clubs and similar organisations to try to help everybody have the chance to plant a sapling and play their part in reducing the impact of the climate catastophe. But to claim your free trees for this autumn, you need to get your application in quickly.
Tree planting: all sorts of community groups, residents’ associations, schools and sports clubs are encouraged to take part
Millions more trees are needed to be planted to reach the country’s carbon net-zero targets, and the Woodland Trust is hoping its initiative can help make a huge difference.
Trees boost nature, combat flooding, provide shelter and reduce pollution – and have huge benefits for mental health.
The country’s largest woodland conservation charity has already given away 15million saplings through its free trees scheme since it started in 2010. Applications for the 2024 autumn delivery window close next month, so the Trust is urging people to take advantage of the “no-catch” scheme and help tackle the climate and nature crisis.
The spring delivery in March 2024 saw 48,950 saplings finding homes in the south east of England, as part of a total 365,985 trees sent out across the length and breadth of the UK.
Applications for delivery in September 2024 are closing on August 26.
“Planting trees is such a simple action, but the collective impact can make a huge difference to people and the planet,” said the Woodland Trust’s Steve Shill.
“Trees help nature, combat flooding, provide shelter and reduce pollution. And they unite communities, inspire pride and bring huge benefits for mental wellbeing.
“It’s a great way for schoolchildren and all sorts of community groups – from sports clubs to faith groups – to learn about the environment and do their bit.
“Every school should have trees, but if you don’t have space to plant, don’t worry – you can still get involved in planting. Why not partner with a local community group or council to plant trees in a public space?”
The application process to secure your saplings is straightforward.
Visit https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities/ to fill in the form and ensure your trees are on their way.
Tree packs come in packs of 15, 30, 105 or 420 trees and in different varieties to suit their purpose – from hedging, copse, for wildlife or wild harvest.
The Trust’s tree packs have been generously funded by Sainsbury’s, Lloyds Bank, OVO, Bank of Scotland and Sofology.
“As ever, the support and generosity of our funders is crucial; we simply couldn’t do this without them,” Shill said.
“The help each and every one of them provides is hugely appreciated and ensures we can provide and deliver our saplings in such huge numbers.”
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