A free tree scheme, handing out thousands of trees to residents, groups and parish councils across Newark and Sherwood, has returned for a second year.

More than 3,000 trees have been distributed since the start of the campaign as part of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s strategy to protect, promote and enhance the natural environment.

Households can this year apply for up to two rowan or goat willow trees, which are between 30 and 60 centimetres high, by submitting an online application form.

Rowan trees are medium-sized, grow to a height of around 15 metres and can live for up to 200 years. The bark is smooth and silvery grey and it has distinctive leaves with a serrated edge. In the spring, there are dense clusters of white flowers and bright red berries in the autumn. The berries can be used to make rowan jelly and are a favourite food for birds.

Goat willow is also known as pussy willow, with the male catkins in spring resembling fluffy cat’s paws. A mature tree will grow to 10 metres tall and can live for 300 years. It has oval leaves and spring catkins and provides a food source for moths and butterflies, bees and other insects. Birds use goat willow to forage for caterpillars and insects.

District council leader, David Lloyd, said: “As part of our Climate Emergency Strategy we have pledged to work towards developing measures to offset global warming and the tree planting projects form a major part of this work.

“We are delighted to be running this scheme again after a brilliant response last year. Residents showed wonderful enthusiasm and we thank them for their continued support to making our communities more attractive, greener and healthier places to live and work.”

The ‘whips’ – small, bare rooted, newly grown trees and therefore they are very easy to plant – will be distributed on one of eight dates in late November and early December from four locations around the district – Newark, Southwell, Ollerton and Clipstone.

Friday 27 November
•Sconce and Devon Park, Newark, 10am to 2pm
•Vicar Water Park, Clipstone, 10am to 2pm

Saturday 28 November
•Sconce and Devon Park, Newark, 10am to 2pm
•Vicar Water Park, Clipstone, 10am to 2pm

Friday 4 December
•Sherwood Heath, Ollerton, 10am to 2pm
•Southwell Market, 10am to 2pm

Saturday 5 December
•Sherwood Heath, Ollerton, 10am to 2pm
•Southwell Market, 10am to 2pm

Upon collection, residents will be given an information leaflet on how to plant and look after the tree.

The final day for applying for free trees is Sunday, November 8.

Trees will be available on these dates only, so residents are being encouraged to check that they are available on one of these dates or to find someone to collect on their behalf prior to applying.

In spring 2021, the council will be also be offering free tree packs for parish councils, schools and community groups, including hawthorn, blackthorn, grey willow, crab apple and rowan.

Households can apply for a free tree here.

The scheme is being supported by Crowders Nurseries, a wholesale grower of native and ornamental trees, shrubs and all hardy plants. Crowders has been growing plants for more than 200 years and its native trees are certified sourced and grown in the UK.

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