Newark and Sherwood District Council’s free tree scheme is returning for a fourth year.

Since the scheme began, 10,000 trees have been given away to residents, groups and parish councils in Newark and Sherwood.

This year, from Monday 5 December until Sunday 18 December, households can apply for up to two goat willow (salix caprea) or wild cherry (prunus avium) trees.

Goat willows are small trees that can grow up to 10m and can live for 300 years. They can be found in ditches, reedbeds and wet woodland, and are more commonly known for the silver, fluffy catkins that give the tree the more well-known name of ‘Pussy Willow’. It supports a variety of wildlife, including the elusive purple emperor butterfly.

Wild cherry trees are thought to be one of the UK’s prettiest native trees and can grow up to 30m. The beautiful spring flowers that appear in April provide an early source of pollen for bees and after being pollenated by insects, the flowers develop into cherries that are commonly eaten by birds and mice.

Coun Roger Jackson, portfolio holder for Cleaner, Safer, Greener at the council, said: “I am thrilled to see this scheme back for its fourth year! To have over 10,000 trees given away so far is a fantastic achievement for our district and I am looking forward to seeing even more planted after this year’s giveaway.

“As part of our Climate Emergency Strategy we have pledged to work towards developing measures to offset global warming and tree planting projects such as this form a major part of this work. It is great to see the enthusiasm our residents have in response to this scheme, and I thank everyone who gets involved for their efforts towards a cleaner, safer, and greener district.”

The ‘whips’ are small, bare rooted, newly grown trees and therefore are very easy to plant. Trees will be distributed on one of two dates in January from four locations around the district – Newark, Southwell, Ollerton and Clipstone.

Friday 20 January

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 21 January

Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone – 10am to 12pm
Southwell Market – 10am to 2pm
Sherwood Heath, Ollerton – 2pm to 4pm
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.

Households and communities can apply for a free tree through the Newark and Sherwood District Council website once applications are open on Monday 5 December: <a href=”https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/treesandnatureconservation/”>https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/treesandnatureconservation/</a>.

The final day for applying is Sunday 18 December.

Any residents that think they may have land suitable for planting trees are encouraged to get in touch with the District Council. You can find out more information <a href=”https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/treesandnatureconservation/”>here</a>.