Community tree scheme returns

Residents and community groups in Shropshire are being encouraged to do their bit to help the natural environment by applying to Shropshire Council’s free tree scheme.

This year the council is offering 15,000 free tree saplings to residents, schools, landowners, farmers and community groups, as well as charities and businesses to help make the county a greener place to live.

The 2024/25 scheme is focusing on planting groups of native trees and shrubs as copses and small areas of woodland, to maximise the benefits for landscape and wildlife around the county. There will also be the option of planting small amounts of native hedgerow, either to ‘gap up’ existing hedgerows or to create short lengths of new ones where this improves habitat continuity or connectivity.

Under this year’s scheme, the trees are being provided in pre-arranged species mixes for a range of planting situations, as well as a native hedgerow mix.

The mixes are all sourced from the UK and are available in bundles of 20 trees. The tree saplings come provided with a shelter guard, cane and planting and aftercare instructions. All trees will be either bare root whips or cell grown, and between 20cm – 80cm.

The saplings are available to order online from this week (week commencing Monday 22 July 2024), and confirmation and location pick up will be sent out to applicants three weeks prior to the collection date.