Help to Create a Greener Hertfordshire as Your Tree Our Future Returns

Hertfordshire’s popular ‘Your Tree Our Future’ scheme returns for a third year, with over 50,000 free trees available to residents. This follows on from successful previous years of the scheme from which residents claimed over 120,000 free trees to support Hertfordshire’s ambitious tree planting targets.

It is estimated that the trees planted by thousands of residents during the scheme’s first two years could remove almost 200,000 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere.

The scheme, now in its third year will contribute towards several of the county council’s Sustainable Hertfordshire ambitions, as planting trees has a positive impact on air quality, helps reduce the carbon in our atmosphere, supports biodiversity and can help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. In addition, access to nature has been linked with benefits to physical and mental health.

The ‘Your Tree Our Future’ scheme was created as part of the county council’s Tree and Woodland Strategy, which sets out how the council will help establish 1.8 million trees in Hertfordshire by 2030. The project will be delivered in partnership with all ten district and borough councils, with logistical support from Herts FullStop.

By visiting www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/yourtree residents will be able to claim up to five trees from a selection of eight different native species, or four trees and a hedgerow pack (enough to plant 6 metres of hedgerow). Trees will be provided on a first come first served basis. Residents who have successfully requested free trees will receive an email from the council to confirm the request, and a second email in November confirming how to collect their trees from a local pick-up point. The primary date for tree collection will be Saturday 7 December, with two alternatives collection dates planned for Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 December.

Mark Doran, Executive Director for Growth and Environment at Hertfordshire County Council said: ‘The first two years of this scheme have exceeded our expectations, with 80,000 more trees planted by residents than our initial target. I would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the scheme so far for playing their part in enhancing nature and tackling climate change.

‘Your Tree Our Future is a fantastic example of real partnership working with our district and borough council colleagues, who continue to play a vital role in the delivery of the scheme and enable our residents to continue to take positive climate action.’