1,000 free trees gifted to residents and community groups in Oadby & Wigston

Published: Thursday, 21 December 2023

Oadby & Wigston Borough Council (OWBC) has given away 1,000 free trees to residents, community groups and schools this December to help make the borough greener and encourage local people to contribute to our climate change efforts.

The scheme proved a big hit with all of the trees being quickly snapped up, and Cllr Samia Haq, leader of OWBC, joined the team helping to distribute the trees to the steady stream of residents who arrived to collect their orders at Brocks Hill Country Park.

Residents who took part in the scheme were able to apply for two free trees each from a choice of seven species, including cherry, rowan and spindle.

The trees distributed were in their infancy at around 60cm tall and ready to be planted immediately to take advantage of tree planting season, and OWBC staff were on hand at the collection point to offer advice on their care.

Cllr Haq said: “It was brilliant to help with giving the trees out and to see firsthand just how popular this scheme has been and how much residents have appreciated it.

“We are working to deliver a cleaner and greener borough, and this is an excellent example of how everyone can make a small contribution to make a big difference.

“Tree-planting helps to build a better environment for all of us, granting vital ecological benefits by providing food and habitats for wildlife, as well as creating cleaner air and more enjoyable surroundings.

“How much people in Oadby & Wigston care about our local environment was reflected in the community effort which led to our success in this year’s Britain in Bloom competition, and it is encouraging to see this continuing in the overwhelming uptake of our free trees offer.”