Popular scheme returns as 1,000 free trees gifted to Oadby & Wigston residents

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Published: Wednesday, 18 December 2024

Photo of four men standing in the barn at Brocks Hill with the free trees. (L-R), OWBC Arboricultural Officer Mike Bennetto, Cllr Jeffrey Kaufman, resident Mick Dobson and Cllr Latif Darr.

1,000 free trees have been handed out to residents and community groups by Oadby & Wigston Borough Council (OWBC), in a boost to the borough’s green efforts and fight against climate change.

The free trees scheme has proven popular in previous years, and this year has been no different, offering green-fingered residents more choice of tree than ever before.

Participants in the scheme snapped up up to two free trees each from a choice of eleven species, including cherry, hazel and oak.

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 Brocks Hill collection point to offer advice on their care.

This scheme supports the delivery of the council’s Climate Change Strategy, adopted in June, which includes actions to help protect and improve nature, increase carbon storage and build climate resilience.

Wigston resident, Robert Sansome, said: “I think this is a brilliant idea donating trees to the community, and I’m pleased to have these to plant.

“It’s also a great way to make the borough more green, as the trees will absorb carbon dioxide and bring us cleaner air.”

OWBC councillor for Brocks Hill Ward, Jeffrey Kaufman, said: “We’re delighted to bring this well-used offer back for another year, and encourage residents to help us in our climate change efforts.

“Tree planting brings so many benefits to our borough including cleaner air, providing habitats for wildlife and creating more pleasant surroundings.

“Collectively we all need to think about our impacts on the environment, and the small acts such as planting and nurturing a tree really do add up. I hope that these trees can also act as a conversation starter for families to consider what other small changes they can make.

“It’s been brilliant to see the positive reaction to this scheme once again, and it proves that residents of Oadby & Wigston really do care about protecting and preserving our environment.”