A free tree scheme that hands out thousands of trees to residents, groups and parish councils across Newark and Sherwood district has returned for a third year.

More than 7,000 trees have been distributed since the start of the campaign.

This year, households can apply for up to two hazel (corylus avellana) and crab apple (malus sylvestris) trees, which are between 30 and 60 centimetres high, by submitting an online application form.

Hazels are medium-sized trees, growing to a height of around 12 metres and can live for several hundred years.

They provide catkins from late February, nuts for squirrels and shelter for birds. Hazel provides early food for bees and supports moths, butterflies, birds and small mammals. Coppiced wood can be used as pea sticks and bean poles by gardeners.

Crab apple trees can grow to a height of around 10m and in spring are covered in scented blossom, which is loved by bees and other pollinating insects.

The blossom develops into small hard green fruits from which you can make jelly or leave them for garden birds, including blackbirds and thrushes. Mammals, such as mice, voles, foxes and badgers, also eat crab apple fruit.

Coun Roger Jackson, chairman of the Leisure and Environment Committee at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “As part of our Climate Emergency Strategy we have pledged to work towards developing measures to offset global warming and the tree planting project forms a major part of this work.

“We are delighted to be running this scheme again. The trees have been carefully selected for their numerous benefits for the environment and local wildlife.

“So far residents have showed wonderful enthusiasm and we thank them for their continued support to making our communities more attractive.”

The ‘whips’ are small, bare rooted, newly-grown trees and, therefore, are very easy to plant.

Trees will be distributed on one of three dates in late November, early December from four locations around the district — Newark, Southwell, Ollerton and Clipstone.

Friday 26 November

Sconce and Devon Park, Newark – 10am to 12pm

Sconce and Devon Park, Newark – 4pm to 6pm

Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone – 10am to 2pm

Saturday 27 November

Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone – 10am to 12pm

Southwell Market – 10am to 2pm

Saturday 4 December

Sherwood Heath, Ollerton – 10am to 2pm

Upon collection, residents will be given an information leaflet on how to plant and look after the tree.

Trees will be available on these dates only, so residents are being encouraged to check that they are available on one of these dates or to find someone to collect on their behalf prior to applying.

In spring 2022, the council will also be offering free tree packs for parish councils, schools and community groups.

Households and communities can apply for a free tree at https://selfservice.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/renderform.aspx?t=224&k=C04516A888326131B4A14C6351D2E315F8CA9FC0

The final day for applying is Sunday, 31st October.

The scheme is being supported by Crowders Nurseries, a wholesale grower of native and ornamental trees, shrubs and all hardy plants. Crowders has been growing plants for more than 200 years and its native trees are certified sourced and grown in the UK.