SILHILLIANS can get free trees as part of a scheme to boost and protect the borough’s rural landscape.
The Arden Free Tree Scheme is open to local individuals and groups – including a business or a school – wishing to create hedgerows or small woodlands on their own land within Solihull.
Run by Solihull Council in partnership with Birmingham Airport, the scheme aims to protect and enhance the rural character of the borough and the wider Arden landscape by promoting the planting of traditional, native trees and shrubs, helping to create a strong sense of place and local distinctiveness while also reducing carbon in the atmosphere.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for Climate Change and Planning, said: “The Arden Free Tree Scheme has helped to support more than 170 schemes and plant more than 45,000 native trees and shrubs in our borough since launching in 2009.
“This helps to improve air quality, support local wildlife by providing vital habitats to live, and safeguard and enhance our rural landscape for generations to come.
“It also plays a crucial role in tackling climate change by capturing carbon and returning oxygen to the atmosphere, while reducing the impact of flooding.
“This contributes significantly to our target of planting 250,000 trees by 2030 as part of our Net Zero Action Plan, where we have recently hit the 100,000 milestone.”
Applications for the Arden Free Tree Scheme run from June 3 to July 5.
Plants will be ready for collection by successful applicants in time for the planting season (between November and March).
To find out more about the Arden Free Tree Scheme and to apply, click here or email [email protected].
Those who do not fulfil the criteria for the scheme may also apply for trees by contacting the Planting our Future team here or email [email protected].
