Tree-mendous news as District Council’s free tree scheme returns

Residents can participate in the Free Tree Scheme now by signing up or going to the District Council website. Trees are given away with after tree care advice too.

The scheme continues to be a cornerstone of the Council’s environmental efforts, encouraging biodiversity, improving air quality, and fostering a sense of community stewardship.

From now until Sunday 14 December 2025, residents can apply for two types of trees:

1. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)

Also known as Sloe, Blackthorn is a hardy tree which is native to the British Isles. It will grow in most soils but does require full sun to thrive. It’s great for bird life and pollinating insects like bees, flowering in early spring before coming into leaf. Prickly Blackthorn hedging is a great deterrent to any unwanted intruders and its fruits can be eaten as they are or be used to make gin or jam. Grown as a standalone tree Blackthorn’s can reach a height of 6-7 meters and can live for 100 years.

2. Field Maples (Acer campestre)

Field Maples can add a burst of colour to your garden as either a standalone tree growing up to 20 meters tall or as part of hedgerow. In the summer it has attractive reddish green leaves which turn a golden yellow in the autumn. Field maples are great for wildlife too, they support a range of insects including ladybirds, bees and many birds and small mammals. Ideally, they should be planted in full sun or partial shade. A field maple planted today might still be growing in 350 years!

You can apply for your tree by completing the online form or going to the District Council website: https://selfservice.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/renderform.aspx?t=303&k=25FDE9008D042D0AB5ECD314E0D52F1068E83EE6

You can collect your trees from three locations across the district on the following days:

Wednesday 14 January

• Sconce and Devon Park – 10am – 1pm
• Sconce and Devon Park – 2pm – 6pm
• Vicar Water Country Park – 10am – 1pm
• Vicar Water Country Park 2pm – 6pm

Saturday 17 January

• Southwell Market Place – 9am – 1pm
• Vicar Water Country Park – 10am – 2pm

Residents will be given the opportunity to download 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 days or to find someone to collect on their behalf prior to applying.

The final day for applying is Sunday 14th December 2025.

Councillor Simon Forde, Portfolio Holder for Climate and the Environment at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see our Free Tree Scheme return for its seventh year, continuing to grow – quite literally – as one of our most cherished community initiatives. By planting a tree, residents are not only adding beauty to their gardens and communities - but they’re also actively contributing to a healthier, more sustainable environment. It’s been wonderful to see so many people take part over the years, and I’m excited to see even more trees planted this season.

“This year, we’re encouraging even more people to get involved. I urge everyone to take advantage of this opportunity - not just to enhance their surroundings, but to be part of a district-wide movement for a greener, healthier future.”