Plant a tree to help make the borough a better place to live

KEEN gardeners in West Lancashire can sign up for the borough council’s Free Tree Scheme which is being launched again on Monday.

The scheme, introduced in October 2008, aims to improve the borough’s environment and attract more wildlife into gardens by encouraging people to plant trees.

Since then, more than 6,000 trees have been given to residents to plant.

This year applicants can choose one of two varieties of fruit tree, Bramley apple and Victoria plum.

Trees provided will be about two years old and about 1m tall.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI the council will continue to offer free packets of “Flanders Poppy” seeds in tribute to those who lost their lives during the war.

John Harrison, director of development and regeneration, 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.

“You can also join the commemorations being organised by the council to mark the centenary of the end of WWI by sowing some poppy seeds.

“So whatever the size of your garden, why not take up our offer.”

To find out more and apply for the trees and seeds, visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/trees from Monday.