1400 trees to be planted as part of the District Council’s free tree scheme

Residents who applied for a free tree in December were able to collect their Goat Willow and Wild Cherry whips last weekend from Sherwood Heath, Vicar Water Country Park, Sconce and Devon Park, or Southwell Market.

Upon collection, residents were given an information leaflet on how to plant and look after their Goat Willow (Salix caprea) or Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) trees. The ‘whips’ are small, bare rooted, newly grown trees and therefore are very easy to plant.

Goat Willows are small tree 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 insect those flowers develop into cherries eaten that are commonly eaten by birds and mice.

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

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We are all constantly working towards a cleaner, safer and greener Newark and Sherwood, and for yet another year the free tree scheme will aid the work we do as part of our Climate Emergency Strategy. We remain committed to our pledge to work on developing measures to offset global warming and tree planting projects.”

For tips on looking after your tree so it can thrive and reach maturity visit: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/trees/planting-trees-shrubs

Councillor David Lloyd continues: “I want to also remind residents to log their tree planting activities on Green Rewards; you can earn 200 Green Points for submitting a picture of your planted tree on the platform! The more points you earn the more chance you have to win a £20 gift voucher that can be spent in various places around the district.”

Join Green Rewards today to start earning points for your sustainable actions: https://www.notts.greenrewards.co.uk/

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

Households and communities were able to apply for a free tree through the Newark and Sherwood District Council website between Monday 5 December and Sunday 18 December. The scheme is expected to return again in 2024.