Grab yourself a free tree

Published Wednesday, 28 September 2022
Group of people posing in and around selfie board holding trees

Residents, businesses, community groups, schools and colleges are being invited to apply for a free tree to help make the borough a greener place to be and to help fight climate change.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council has teamed up with Hinckley and Rugby Building Society, PEXA (digital remortgaging) and the National Forest Company to offer the trees throughout The Great Big Green Week 2022 and can be ordered now. 

Over 27,000 tree saplings and hedging are available to residents, schools, community groups, town, and parish councils as well as charities and businesses to help make the borough a greener and cleaner place to be. If all survive to maturity then they will absorb over 10,000 tonnes of carbon over the next 40 years,

There is a choice of tree: Birch, Crab Apple, Bird Cherry, and Rowan plus five metre hedging packs.

Saplings and hedging can be ordered online at www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/freetrees

There will be several collection points and confirmation of your collection point will be sent out prior to the collection date.

Cllr Martin Cartwright, Executive Member for Climate Change said:

“This free tree and hedging scheme is a wonderful opportunity for communities to come together, learn new skills and get outdoors. The benefits of this scheme will last for years to come helping to provide a more pleasurable greener, cleaner environment whilst reducing the impact of climate change at the same time. Taking up the offer will also help us reach our carbon neutral target by 2030, as trees are brilliant carbon absorbers.”

Cllr Bill Crooks, Executive Member for Street Scene Services added:

“We are extremely grateful to Hinckley & Rugby Building Society, PEXA and the National Forest for sponsoring this scheme, which will help to make the borough a greener and more beautiful place to be. All ages and abilities can get involved to plant and care for a tree. Don’t miss out, order a tree today.”

Colin Fyfe, CEO, Hinckley & Rugby Building Society said:

“This free tree scheme initiative is a long-term way of making a positive environmental impact in Hinckley and Bosworth and we are delighted to be involved. It strengthens our continued commitment to being an environmentally responsible business and to challenge the climate change crisis.”

Louise Driver, Operations Director, National Forest Company said:

“We are delighted to join with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council to offer free trees to their residents living within the National Forest. The National Forest is one of the few places in England where biodiversity is increasing, and we are eager to encourage everyone in the Forest to be part of this amazing story. Native trees are a wonderful way to encourage wildlife into your garden, providing shade and shelter for birds and butterflies as well as for you and your family to enjoy on a hot day.”

The trees are small cell grown plants, sourced from the UK.

Thanks to Richmond Primary School, Hinckley and Eco Warriors Emily and Bella (both aged 10) who took part in the launch of our free trees scheme, thank you for your support.