Posted on 21st Nov
Newark and Sherwood District Council is relaunching its free tree scheme for a seventh year.
Since its inception, the initiative has distributed more than 10,000 trees to residents throughout the district.
They can take part by going to https://selfservice.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/renderform before Sunday, 14th December.
Two types of trees are available — blackthorn (prunus spinosa) and field maples (acer campestre).
Also known as sloe, blackthorn is a hardy tree that is native to the British Isles. It will grow in most soils, but does require full sun to thrive.
It’s great for bird life and pollinating insects like bees, flowering in early spring before coming into leaf. Prickly Blackthorn hedging is a great deterrent to any unwanted intruders and its fruits can be eaten as they are or used to make gin or jam.
Grown as a standalone tree, blackthorns can reach a height of six to seven metres and live for 100 years.
Field maples can add a burst of colour to a garden, as either a standalone tree growing up to 20m tall or as part of hedgerow.
In the summer it has reddish green leaves, which turn golden yellow in the autumn. Field maples are great for wildlife too, supporting insects such as ladybirds, bees and many birds and small mammals. Ideally, they should be planted in full sun or partial shade. A field maple planted today might still be growing in 350 years!
The free trees can be collected from:
Wednesday, 14th January — Sconce and Devon Park, Newark, 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm; Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone, 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm.
Saturday, 17th January — Southwell Market Place, 9am-1pm; Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone, 10am-2pm
Residents will be given the opportunity to download an information leaflet on how to plant and look after the tree.
Coun Simon Forde, portfolio holder for Climate and the Environment at the council, said: “It’s fantastic to see our Free Tree Scheme return for its seventh year, continuing to grow – quite literally – as one of our most cherished community initiatives.
“By planting a tree, residents are not only adding beauty to their gardens and communities, but they’re also actively contributing to a healthier, more sustainable environment.
“It’s been wonderful to see so many people take part over the years, and I’m excited to see even more trees planted this season.
“This year, we’re encouraging even more people to get involved. I urge everyone to take advantage of this opportunity, not just to enhance their surroundings, but to be part of a district-wide movement for a greener, healthier future.”
