3,000 free trees to give away

Residents can apply for free trees under a scheme which has returned to Charnwood.

The borough council has once again teamed up with the National Forest and partner idverde to run the scheme which has 3,000 trees to give away and people have until January 10, 2020 to apply.

Matt Bradford, head of cleansing and open spaces at the Council, said: “We’re pleased to be offering our free tree scheme for the second year running.

“Following the success of last year, we’re giving away even more trees and I’d encourage residents to apply as soon as possible to snap up their free trees.

“Charnwood is part of the National Forest and this is one way to help make it even greener.”

Last year 2,000 trees were given away to local residents, community groups and parish councils in the borough.

Households and community groups are eligible to choose up to three trees and there is a choice of three varieties; holly, hazel and cherry plum.

The trees will be approximately 20cm – 40cm  when they are collected. Each resident who applies for a free tree will be given a guide on how to look after them properly.  

Trees will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and residents that apply for a free tree must be available to collect on one of the following dates and locations:

• Saturday January 18 2020, 10am-3pm – Central Park, Syston
• Saturday January 25 2020, 10am-3pm –Derby Road Playing Fields, Loughborough.

To apply online, all residents need to do is visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/freetrees

idverde manages the borough’s parks and open spaces on behalf of the Council.

The National Forest is right in heart of the country, embracing 200 square miles of the Midlands. It spans across parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire and aims to link the two ancient Forests of Charnwood and Needwood.