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29th November 2016

Communities spruce up the landscape, with the gift of free trees

More than half a million free trees are making their way to schools and community groups across the UK this month; with over 24,000 set for Northern Ireland.The groups are greening local landscapes and tackling the country’s lack of trees and woods: Northern Ireland has just 8 per cent woodland cover, compared to the UK average of 13 per cent and the European average of 44 per cent.

It’s not too late for would-be tree planters to play a part.  Schools and groups are now invited to apply for free trees for planting next March.

Gregor Fulton is the Woodland Trust’s operations manager and says: “There’s no doubt that trees offer so much, from brightening landscapes – and minds – to helping clean the very air we breathe. We want to see a huge increase in tree numbers.  In fact, we have ambitious plans to plant 64 million trees over the next ten years – that’s one for every person in the UK.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for schools, youth groups and community groups to get their hands dirty and make a lasting change to their school grounds or shared spaces.”

The tree packs come in different sizes and mix of species, ranging from 30 native trees for a small copse or short hedgerow, to 420 trees for an area equivalent to a large football pitch. Choose from species that will flourish in wetlands; attract wildlife; give year-round colour; or provide a bountiful wild harvest.

Find out more and apply online now at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees  Applications close at 4pm on 6 January 2017. The trees have been generously funded by Sainsbury’s, IKEA FAMILY, and Yorkshire Tea.

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