Solihull residents can now apply for free trees as part of the yearly Arden Free Tree Scheme.
Now in its fifteenth year, this initiative, run by Solihull Council in partnership with Birmingham Airport, is open to local individuals and groups wishing to create hedgerows or small woodlands on their own land within Solihull.
The popular scheme aims to protect and enhance the rural character of Solihull and the wider Arden landscape by promoting the planting of traditional, native trees. This helps create a strong sense of place and local distinctiveness while also reducing carbon in the atmosphere.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning, said:
“I strongly encourage residents and local organisations to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to receive and plant trees for free. Year on year, this scheme helps us to safeguard and enhance our rural landscapes, strengthen our ecosystems and allows local wildlife to flourish.
“Last year, Arden Free Trees supported 22 schemes, planting a total of 10,710 native trees and shrubs. This contributes significantly to our target of planting 250,000 trees in ten years as part of our Net Zero Action Plan. Protecting and enhancing our natural environment remains a priority to support both the health and wellbeing of our residents and in our fight against climate change.”
Applications must be submitted by early July. Plants will be ready for collection by successful applicants in time for the planting season (November – March).
To find out more about the Arden Free Tree Scheme and how to apply, please visit our website: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/your-future-solihull/arden-free-tree-scheme
Those who do not fulfil the criteria for the scheme may also apply for trees by contacting the Planting our Future team. For further details visit: https://www.lovesolihull.org/plantingourfuture or get in touch at plantingourfuture@solihull.gov.uk.
If you would like to keep up to date with all the climate change and sustainability news from the Council, sign up to the Your Future Solihull newsletter: https://loom.ly/nyWue_E