Newark and Sherwood District Council free tree scheme returns with collection points in Newark, Southwell, Ollerton and Clipstone

A free tree scheme is returning for a fourth year.

Since the Newark and Sherwood District Council scheme began, 10,000 trees have been given away to residents, groups and parish councils across the district.

From Monday 5 December until Sunday 18 December, households can apply for up to two Goat Willow or Wild Cherry trees.

Goat Willows are small trees that can grow up to 10m and can live for 300 years.

They can be found in ditches, reedbeds and wet woodland, and are more commonly known for the silver, fluffy catkins that give the tree the more well-known name of 'Pussy Willow'.

It supports a variety of wildlife, including the elusive purple emperor butterfly.

Wild Cherry trees are thought to be one of the UK’s prettiest native trees and can grow up to 30m.

The spring flowers that appear in April provide an early source of pollen for bees and after being pollenated by insects, the flowers develop into cherries that are commonly eaten by birds and mice.

Councillor Roger Jackson, portfolio holder for Cleaner, Safer, Greener at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “I am thrilled to see this scheme back for its fourth year!

"To have over 10,000 trees given away so far is a fantastic achievement for our district and I am looking forward to seeing even more planted after this year’s giveaway.

“As part of our Climate Emergency Strategy we have pledged to work towards developing measures to offset global warming and tree planting projects such as this form a major part of this work.

"It is great to see the enthusiasm our residents have in response to this scheme, and I thank everyone who gets involved for their efforts towards a cleaner, safer and greener district.”

The ‘whips’ are small, bare rooted, newly grown trees and therefore are very easy to plant.

Trees will be distributed across two days in January, in Newark, Southwell, Ollerton and Clipstone. Upon collection, residents will be given an information leaflet on how to plant and look after the tree.

Friday, January 20

• Sconce and Devon Park, Newark – 10am to 12pm
• Sconce and Devon Park, Newark – 4pm to 6pm
• Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone – 10am to 2pm

Saturday, January 21

• Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone – 10am to 12pm
• Southwell Market – 10am to 2pm
• Sherwood Heath, Ollerton – 2pm to 4pm

Residents are being encouraged to plan ahead as the trees will only be available on these dates.

Applications open on Monday December 5. Households and communities can apply for a free tree through the Newark and Sherwood District Council website.

The final day for applying is Sunday December 18.