THE Woodland Trust is urging schools and communities across the South West to join the fight against climate change and nature loss – and reach a remarkable five million free trees planted across the United Kingdom since 2020 – by taking advantage of its latest tree-pack giveaway.

Applications for the charity’s ever-popular free tree-packs scheme are open now and schools and community groups are needed to push up the numbers of trees planted by 800,000 to reach a whopping five million.

Woodland Trust senior project lead Vicki Baddeley said: “We’re so proud of the numbers of free trees we’ve been able to give away, knowing they’ll be planted where they can really make a difference – in school grounds and out in the community.

“We’re in the grip of a climate and nature crisis which can’t be overcome without concerted action, so I’d urge every school or community group who can, to get involved and plant more trees!

“Applying is easy and all saplings are fully funded for those receiving the trees in our autumn delivery in November. All you need is time and a small piece of land to plant on.”

The last round of the Trust’s free tree-packs scheme in the spring of 2023 delivered a total of 540,630 saplings to 3,272 organisations across the UK, including 54,255 trees to 320 schools and community groups in the South West of England: 

• Bristol – 3,495 trees to 29 organisations

• Cornwall – 10,065 trees to 62 organisations

• Devon – 13,500 trees to 81 organisations

• Gloucestershire – 4,785 trees to 36 organisations

• Somerset – 13,740 trees to 71 organisations

• Wiltshire – 8,670 trees to 41 organisations.

Trees are one of our strongest defences against the climate and nature crisis. Evidence shows they combat the devastating effects of flooding, pollution and extreme weather and temperatures. They are the ultimate carbon stores.

They are essential havens for wildlife and people. And they make the planet a healthier, happier place for everyone.

The Woodland Trust is committed to planting another 50 million native trees across the UK by 2030 and is urging people to get behind its mission to plant more trees and help it create a greener world.

Vicki Baddeley added: “In just a few years, your trees will have grown big enough to lock away carbon and be a thriving habitat for wildlife. They’ll offer free shade and shelter and help make the community space or playground, and the people who have access to it, happier and healthier.

“It would be incredible if we can reach a total of five million since 2020 this year – what an achievement and contribution that would be. There’s no time like the present, so sign up and take advantage of the scheme.”

The Woodland Trust’s tree packs have been generously funded by lead partners Sainsbury's, Lloyds Bank, OVO Energy, Bank of Scotland and Sofology. 

The UK’s largest woodland conservation charity has given away 13.9m trees since 2010. And if schools and communities can rise to the challenge and claim 800,000 saplings in the current round, that figure will be approaching a staggering 15m, an average of more than one million every year.

To apply, or see terms and conditions, visit: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees .