TREES form a major part of the UK’s journey towards net zero.

And schools, sports clubs and community groups are being urged to take advantage of the Woodland Trust’s latest free trees giveaway to help boost the numbers planted in the south west.

The UK’s largest woodland conservation charity has given away 15 million saplings through the free trees scheme since 2010.

With applications for the autumn delivery window closing on August 26, the Trust is urging people across the region to take advantage of the “no-catch” scheme and help tackle the climate and nature crisis.

The spring delivery in March 2024 saw 48,950 saplings finding homes in the south of England, as part of a total 365,985 trees sent out across the length and breadth of the UK.

In the south west, the number of trees planted was:

• 2,850 trees in Bristol
• 10,905 trees in Cornwall
• 15,705 trees in Devon
• 10,785 trees in Gloucestershire
• 10,545 trees in Somerset
• 11,760 trees in Wiltshire

Woodland Trust senior project lead, Steve Shill, said time is running out to get involved.

“Planting trees is such a simple action, but the collective impact can make a huge difference to people and the planet,” he said.

“Trees help nature, combat flooding, provide shelter and reduce pollution. And they unite communities, inspire pride and bring huge benefits for mental wellbeing.

“It’s a great way for schoolchildren and all sorts of community groups – from sports clubs to faith groups – to learn about the environment and do their bit.

“Every school should have trees, but if you don’t have space to plant, don’t worry – you can still get involved in planting. Why not partner with a local community group or council to plant trees in a public space?”

Award-winning children’s author Lauren Child visiting a school who applied for free Woodland Trust trees

Tree packs come in packs of 15, 30, 105 or 420 trees and in different varieties to suit their purpose – from hedging, copse, for wildlife or wild harvest.

Packs have been funded by lead partners Sainsbury’s, Lloyds Bank, OVO, Bank of Scotland and Sofology.

Mr Shill added: “As ever, the support and generosity of our funders is crucial; we simply couldn’t do this without them.

“The help each and every one of them provides is hugely appreciated and ensures we can provide and deliver our saplings in such huge numbers.”

For more details on the scheme, and how to apply for trees, log on to https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities.