Plant a tree scheme set to bear fruit
KEEN gardeners can sign up for West Lancashire Borough Council’s successful Free Tree Scheme which is being launched again on Monday, October 17.
The Free Tree Scheme was first launched in October 2008 in the hopes of improving the area’s environment and to tempt more wildlife into local gardens. It was also a great way for the council to encourage people to get outside and into their gardens.
Since then, over 5,800 new trees have been given to residents to plant throughout the borough.
West Lancs residents can choose between two different types of fruit tree to plant in their garden. The choices are between Victoria Plum and Bramley Apple.
Trees given to residents will be approximately two years old and around one metre tall.
Councillor John Hodson, portfolio holder for planning, said: “Fruit trees are very much part of the area’s heritage and as well as attracting wildlife and providing fruit to eat they are well-suited to smaller domestic gardens. So whatever the size of your garden, why not take up our great offer and plant a tree.”
The Victoria Plum has been the most successful of all the trees offered since the scheme began and this year’s introduction of the Bramley’s Seedling has a rather poignant story about this very popular fruit tree.
The original tree, the mother of all Bramley Apples, is currently dying of a fungal infection. The council would like to continue the legacy of the Bramley Apple by offering residents a chance to pick up a free ‘Bramley’s Seedling’ tree as part of the scheme.
The council will continue to offer a packet of free ‘Flanders Poppy’ seeds as a commemoration of the start of the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago.
For more information and to apply, visit www.westlancs.gov. uk/trees between Monday, October 17 and Friday October 28.
There is a limit to the number of trees and seeds available so they will be allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis. Successful applicants will be informed where and when to collect the trees and seeds.
Trees will be allocated in time for planting during National Tree Week 2016, which runs from November 26 to December 4. Trees provided under the scheme are only available to West Lancashire residents and must be planted in the borough.
The council also provides a useful guide showing how to plant and look after your trees.
For more details visit www. westlancs.gov.uk