Woodland Trust urges uptake of free samplings

The UK’s largest woodland conservation charity has given away a mind-boggling 15m saplings through its ever-popular free trees scheme since it started in 2010 – that’s an average of more than a million trees a year.

And with applications for the autumn delivery window closing next month, the Trust is urging people to take advantage of the “no-catch” scheme and help tackle the climate and nature crisis.

The spring delivery in March 2024 saw 365,985 saplings finding homes the length and breadth of the UK:

• England: 307,875 trees to 1966 schools and community groups
• Scotland: 35,550 trees to 204 schools and community groups
• Wales: 22,560 to 103 schools and community groups

Applications for delivery in September 2024 are closing on 26 August.

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?

The application process to secure your saplings is straightforward. Just visit https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities/ to fill in the form and ensure your trees are on their way.

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK with more than 500,000 supporters. It wants to see a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature. Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care, covering more than 30,000 hectares. Access to its woods is free so everyone can benefit from woods and trees.

The Woodland Trust scheme delivers hundreds of thousands of free trees twice a year for planting in spring and autumn. 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. The Trust’s tree packs have been generously funded by lead partners Sainsbury's, Lloyds Bank, OVO, Bank of Scotland and Sofology.

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.”

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