Newark and Sherwood District Council is relaunching its FREE tree scheme, which has provided more than 14,400 trees to residents and community groups over the past five years.
This has been a hugely successful project, with residents, community groups, and Parish Councils getting involved to enhance the environment and inspire future generations.
Residents can participate in the Free Tree Scheme now by signing up via the District Council homepage to receive two free whips to grow alongside planting. Trees are distributed with aftercare advice to help ensure they thrive.
Trees help reduce our carbon footprints, improve soil health, and support biodiversity by providing habitats and food for wildlife.
From now until Friday, 20 December 2024, residents can apply for two types of tree:
Beech tree (Fagus sylvatica)
Beech trees can grow into majestic solo specimens or be trained into hedge form. The bark is usually smooth and grey, and its leaves are a deep rich green that turn a bright copper colour in the autumn. The leaves of the beech tree do not fall until new growth emerges, making it an ideal tree for all-round cover and privacy screening.
Over 100 species of insect make their home inside beech trees, and the seeds provide food for birds, squirrels, mice, and voles.
Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana)
This native hedgerow species was often planted by our ancestors along pathways and roadsides (hence its name). It grows quickly, making it an ideal hedging species, and its small leaves and white flower clusters make it a great ornamental screen.
It provides excellent cover for wildlife, and its early spring flowers are great for bees and other invertebrates. From mid-summer, its fruits are an important food source for birds and small mammals. However, the berries can be poisonous if eaten, so pets and children should be kept away from them.
You can apply for your tree by completing the online form on the District Council homepage. Trees can be collected from three locations across the district on the following dates:
Friday, 17 January 2025
- Sconce and Devon Park – 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm
Saturday, 18 January 2025
- Southwell Market Place – 9:00 am until 1:00 pm
- Vicar Water Country Park – 9:00 am until 1:00 pm
Residents will also have the opportunity to download an information leaflet on how to plant and care for their tree.
Trees will only be available on these dates, so residents are encouraged to ensure they are available to collect on one of these days or arrange for someone to collect on their behalf prior to applying.
The final day for applications is Friday, 20 December 2024.
Councillor Emma Oldham, Portfolio Holder for Climate and the Environment at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to see our Free Tree Scheme return for a sixth consecutive year, and I can’t wait to see how many residents and community groups join us in this wonderful initiative.
“These young, bare-rooted ‘whips’ may be small, but they have the potential to grow into something truly special – a legacy for future generations. What better way to start the new year than by planting a tree that will thrive and enrich our local environment for years to come? Both tree species are not only beautiful but play an important role in enhancing biodiversity and improving the landscape.”
