Free trees for residents of Oadby & Wigston – apply for yours now!
Published: Friday, 1 December 2023
Oadby & Wigston Borough Council (OWBC) is giving away 1,000 free trees to residents this December to encourage local people to have a positive impact on the local environment and help to make our borough greener.
Each household and community organisation in the borough can apply for up to two free trees.
Applications are open now, and residents can apply using our short online form which can be found at: www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/free-trees-application
There is a choice of seven species available, each of which offer something different to a garden and require different levels of maintenance. The trees are currently all around two years old, and approximately 60-80cm high.
Applicants can choose from:
- Field maple
- Italian alder
- Cornelian cherry
- Spindle
- Rowan
- Small leaved lime
- Wild cherry.
More detailed information about each species on offer can be found at www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/freetrees
Collections will be from Brocks Hill Country Park, Oadby, on Thursday 7 December, Wednesday 13 December and Saturday 16 December. Applicants will be able to choose their collection date when they complete the form.
Not only does tree-planting have a positive effect on local ecology, creating a more pleasant environment and attracting birds and other wildlife, it also has a positive effect on health and wellbeing. Planting and maintaining trees can boost mental health and be a form of light exercise, as well as creating more relaxing gardens and outdoor spaces.
Councillor Ian Ridley, Chair of the Environment Working Group at OWBC, said: “This is a great initiative and I really encourage residents to take up this offer and claim their free trees.
“Protecting our environment and ensuring our borough is as green as possible is one of our priorities, and these trees will make a valuable contribution to our efforts.
“In addition to all the excellent wellbeing benefits, we all have a role to play when it comes to tackling climate change and starting at home is a great way to spark a conversation and get thinking about how we can make a difference.”
The application process will close when the supply of trees has been allocated.