Free tree scheme by Newark and Sherwood District Council now underway to protect, promote and enhance natural environment
A free tree scheme led by Newark and Sherwood District Council is underway to protect, promote and enhance the natural environment.
Households can apply for up to two Rowan or Crab Apple trees as part of the initiative of handing out thousands of trees across the district.
The trees are between 40 and 60 centimetres high, and members of the public can apply by submitting an online form.
Crab Apple are medium-sized trees that grow to a height of around 12 metres.
Its white flowers open in clusters during April and May, followed by small hard edible fruits during the autumn. The apples are too sour to eat raw, but they can be made into jelly.
Rowan trees also grow to around 12 metres and its creamy white flowers open in clusters in May and June, followed by red berries in the autumn. The berries can be used to make Rowan jelly and are a favourite for birds.
Community planting projects are soon to commence across the district involving local groups and businesses including Newark Castle Rotary Club and Newark-based food company Bakkavor.
District council leader, David Lloyd, said Newark and Sherwood is home to the world famous Sherwood Forest and, as well as being an iconic part of the landscape, trees are vital in the fight against climate change.
"Trees help to improve the quality of our air, cool the warming planet, reduce flood risks, as well as, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere," said Mr Lloyd.
"These tree planting projects follow on from our highly successful Cleaner, Safer and Greener campaign and in particular, the Greener element of that initiative.
"By increasing the number of trees in the district, not only are we making our communities more attractive, greener places to live and work, we are assisting the government in meeting its crucial target of planting 11 million trees between now and 2022."
The free tree scheme will be extended to parish councils across the district which will be contacted with information about how they can apply.
Free tree applicants will be able to collect their trees from the following locations on the dates listed:
Saturday 23 November
- Sconce and Devon Park, Newark, from 10.30am to 1pm
- Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone, from 10.30am to 1pm
Saturday 30 November
- War Memorial Park, Southwell, from 10.30am to 1pm
- Yew Tree Road Park, Ollerton, from 10.30am to 1pm
Residents are encouraged to check they are available on the dates or find someone to collect the tree on their behalf.
Households can apply for a free tree at www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/greener/freetrees/
The scheme is being supported by Crowders Nurseries, a wholesale grower of native and ornamental trees, shrubs and all hardy plants.
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