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23rd March 2017

From beekeepers to the sports-mad – community groups and schools get planting thanks to free trees from the Woodland Trust

A third of a million free trees are currently winging their way to schools and community groups across the UK thanks to the Woodland Trust.  And almost 19,000 are set to brighten the Northern Ireland landscape.

Schools, beekeepers, sports clubs, Scouts, Guides, and animal rescue charities are just some of the groups putting trees in the ground this March.

Collective efforts are helping to green local landscapes and tackle Northern Ireland’s lack of woodland cover.  The country has a mere 8 per cent woodland cover, compared to the European average of 46 per cent.

And it’s not too late for would-be tree planters to make their mark:  schools, youth groups and community groups are now invited to apply for free trees for planting this November.

The packs come in three sizes, ranging from 30 native saplings for a small copse or short hedgerow to 420 trees, enough to cover an acre of land or create a hedge of around 85 metres.  Choose from species that will flourish in wetlands, attract wildlife, give year-round colour or provide a bountiful wild harvest.

Gregor Fulton is the Woodland Trust’s operations manager and says: “Trees bring so many benefits.  They make our schools and neighbourhoods greener and healthier, while providing much-needed homes for wildlife.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people – of all ages – to come together, roll their sleeves up, and really make a difference.  The packs are free and come with all the information you need to get planting.  It couldn’t be easier.”

To find out more and to get your November pack visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees  The deadline for applications is Friday, 8 September.

The trees are generously funded by Sainsbury’s, IKEA FAMILY and Yorkshire Tea.

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