Scheme offering free trees for Rushcliffe residents returns
Residents can once again apply for free trees for their garden as a green project returns for the fifth time.
Applications are open once again to the The Free Trees scheme which initially launched in 2018, giving those living in the Rushcliffe area the opportunity to make their properties greener.
Since its introduction, the scheme has distributed over 9000 trees across the area and this year have 1600 field maple and hazel trees available.
The project came about as part of Rushcliffe Borough Council’s strategy to provide sustainable environments in line with the prediction of significant housing and employment growth in the area over the next few years.
Members of the public looking to take advantage of the schemes are encouraged to apply soon as high levels of demand are anticipated.
Residents can apply for up to two trees, but must submit applications before the September 30 deadline.
Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change at the council, councillor Abby Brennan said: “We are delighted to be running the free tree scheme again, after a wonderful response from residents since the scheme was launched in 2018.
“They have shown great enthusiasm in collecting and planting thousands of these free trees and we thank them for their continued support to making Rushcliffe a great and greener place to live.”
Abby hopes the project will provide a greener environment and an improved but sustainable quality of life for both current and future generations.
One site to have benefited is Oldershaw Trust land in East Leake, where Village tree warden Wendy Thompson said: “East Leake has benefited hugely from this free tree scheme, we’ve added to our tree nursery for children to use in the future as a nature walk to supplement our natural play scheme.
“Not only are trees important for nature and wildlife, but they are also important for the local community breathing life and oxygen into where we live.”
All of the trees will be two years old and approximately 60-90 cm high, with deliveries made directly to doors between December 2022 to February 2023.
Words contributed to by reporter Liam Salisbury (work experience).