Annual Free Tree giveaway has started
HOUSEHOLDS, schools and community groups in South Derbyshire can apply for free trees under a scheme that is celebrating its 20th year.
Since South Derbyshire District Council began the initiative in 2001, more than 10,500 trees have been given away. This year, four different varieties of trees are being given away – alder buckthorn, hazel, rowan and spindle. All are two years old and up to two feet high.
The Free Tree scheme is run in partnership with the National Forest Company, and, as in previous years, people can apply for two trees per household, or 10 if applying on behalf of a school or community group. Apply between now and 5pm, November 9. Applicants must be based within the district of South Derbyshire.
Councillor Andrew Macpherson, chairman of the environmental and development services committee, said: “Not even Covid-19 was going to stop our celebrated Free Tree scheme which we know a large number of people look forward to. We feel this year could be even more successful as a lot of people spent
more time in their gardens during lockdown and will maybe welcome the opportunity of planting a new tree or two, at no cost.”
The online application process includes a form and details of how to plant and look after the trees. For more information, visit www. southderbyshire.gov.uk/ freetreescheme. For those without internet access, ring 01283 595795 during office hours. Those requesting trees have a choice of December 3 or December 5 to collect them. Covid-safe measures will be in operation.