Free tree scheme launches for 2025

Together with our sponsors, Hinckley and Rugby Building Society and The National Forest, the Borough Council is offering 35,000 trees for planting in the borough of Hinckley and Bosworth. Tree saplings and hedges will be available to order, free of charge, for residents, schools, community groups, towns and parish councils, businesses and charities.

There are four tree types to choose from: wild pear, rowan tree, hornbeam or crab apple. There are also 1,200 five-metre hedging packs available. If all the free trees thrive over the next 40 years, they could collectively absorb more than 10,000 tonnes of carbon.

Saplings and hedging can be ordered online at www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/freetrees until Friday 14 November 2025.

Collection is planned for Saturday 22 November 2025 and there will be several collection points across the borough. Confirmation of your collection point will be sent out before the collection date.

The collection points will be:

• Argents Mead, Hinckley, 9am to 12 noon
• Desford Library (LE9 9JP), 1:30pm to 3:30pm
• Groby Co-op store (LE6 0YG), 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Cllr Martin Cartwright, Executive Member for Climate Change, said: “I am delighted that once again we can offer this free tree and hedging scheme.  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.  Trees are brilliant carbon absorbers, and planting new native UK-grown trees helps to extend and create havens for wildlife, boosting biodiversity.

“Having seen the success when we previously offered free trees, children especially lead the way in collecting and planting them. The Borough Council has declared both a climate emergency and a biodiversity emergency. This initiative helps with both.”

Cllr Lynda Hodgkins, Executive Member for Street Scene Services, added: “We are extremely grateful to Hinckley & Rugby Building Society and The National Forest for sponsoring this scheme once again.  This scheme is helping 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.”

Barry Carter, CEO, Hinckley & Rugby Building Society said: “We’re proud to continue our support for this excellent initiative, which reflects our ongoing commitment to tackling climate change and enhancing the local environment. Hinckley & Rugby Building Society has a long-standing tradition of backing local good causes, and we’re delighted to play a part in this meaningful project.”

Gill Forrester, Community and Wellbeing Manager at the National Forest, said: “We are delighted to once again support Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council with its annual Free Tree Scheme. Trees really are transformational in the landscape, for biodiversity and for our wellbeing. By encouraging more people to plant suitable native trees in their gardens, we are helping to grow a greener, healthier and more sustainable future for everyone to enjoy.”

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