Free trees for South Cambridgeshire towns and villages

Trees are being offered to parish councils across the district to create habitats and food for wildlife, while also playing a crucial role in the battle against climate change.

The Six Free Trees campaign is into its fifth year and has seen more than 750 trees planted across South Cambridgeshire since it was launched in 2019.

The campaign encourages tree planting by promoting its many benefits and is one of a range of initiatives by South Cambridgeshire District Council to support its ambitions to double nature and get the district to net zero carbon by 2050.

Parish Councils have until 20^th December 2024 to apply for six free trees or one large potted tree, which will be delivered to them in January 2025.

Trees can be chosen from a list of native varieties including field maple, alder, silver birch, hornbeam, hawthorn, beech, wild cherry, oak, rowan and crab apple. Bio-based and compostable guards, stakes and ties will also be supplied.

Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Every tree planted is a step towards a greener future. Already, the Six Free Trees project has been a significant success, and we’re delighted to offer it again this year. Trees are one of our most simple yet powerful weapons in the fight against climate change and this initiative is a vital part of our mission to achieve net-zero emissions. It demonstrates how small, local efforts can lead to significant change for the greater good. We're helping cultivate a greener, more sustainable district. Together, we can enhance our community's canopy, combat climate change, and take significant strides toward our net-zero goals, which reflects our commitment to a healthier environment and a brighter future for all.”

Every parish council in the district is offered six free trees, in exchange for planting them on parish council or school land. This could also fund one larger pot-grown tree, if more suitable, for the preferred location. Free delivery to a chosen location is included.

By working with parish councils, the scheme ensures that saplings are looked after for their lifetime. A total of 146 trees were given to 46 parish councils last year as part of the District Council’s efforts to increase tree canopy cover.

The Council’s Tree Warden network, coordinated by the Tree Council, fully support the Six Free Trees scheme and provide up-to-date information on local trees and current tree issues. For more information go to the District Council’s Tree Warden webpage.

Along with around 2,000 local councils across the world, South Cambridgeshire District Council has declared a climate and ecological emergency. Its business plan lists ‘being Green to Our Core’ as a priority and in 2021, District Councillors adopted the District’s first Doubling Nature Strategy, setting out an approach to increasing wildlife-rich habitats and the tree canopy and improving access to green spaces.

The latest round of Six Free Trees launched on 13^th November.