Island residents are being offered free tree whips thanks to a partnership with the Isle of Wight Council’s Parks and Countryside team and Natural Enterprise’s Gift to Nature.
The giveaway of 500 trees is a pilot initiative – which will be done on a first-come, first-served basis as part of the Council’s commitment to supporting biodiversity gain and net zero.
Species such as Crab apple, Wild cherry, Rowan, Hazel, Birch, Scots Pine, Beech, Hawthorn and Oak will be given away. Anyone with space available on their land to care for and grow a young tree can apply. Please only plant trees within your own property.
How to get your free tree
- Apply online – Residents will be able to apply for the free trees online, there is a limited supply of 500 trees on a first come first served basis.
- Paper application forms – are also available from County Hall reception, Newport.
Organisations are asked not to apply through this process. Next year, the council plan to work with local organisations to plant more whips across the Island. Please contact sustainability@iow.gov.uk if you are interested in being involved.
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for environment said: “We are pleased to be supporting this initiative along with Natural Enterprise’s Gift to Nature.
“We are committed to tackling climate change and reducing our carbon footprint and more tree planting is a key part of this, as outlined in our Climate and Environment Strategy.
“So, apply online and get a chance to receive a free tree and do your bit to tackle climate change.”
Natasha Dix, strategic manager for environment, added: “This free tree giveaway is a great opportunity for our local Island community to get involved and help us work towards our aspirations in making the Island a sustainable place to live and work.”
Lee Matthews, strategic manager for recreation and open spaces said: “It is great that the council can help promote the planting of new trees through this free giveaway to our Island community and I encourage anyone with suitable land to apply as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss out.
“By planting new trees, we are helping to combat the devastating impact of Ash Dieback and the expected effects on the Island’s landscape over the next few years.”
The whips will be unbranched young tree saplings of approximately 0.5-1.0m/1 foot 7 inches – 3 foot 3 inches in height and 2–3 years old.
If your application is successful, whips will need to be collected between 10 – 13 or 17 – 20 January 2023.
For more information on the Isle of Wight Biosphere and the tree giveaway, please visit www.iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/IW-Biosphere/Isle-of-Wight-tree-giveaway