Your Tree Our Future Scheme Returns
Following the success of the ‘Your Tree, Our Future’ giveaway last year where 46,000 trees were given away to residents, the scheme is returning for 2023, with the aim of giving away a further 60,000 trees this year and 30,000 for the next two years to help the county tackle it’s sustainability targets.
It is estimated that the trees planted by 4,000 residents last year could remove 77,000 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere.
The scheme, now in its second year will help the council to deliver on several of its 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 natural features 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 increase tree cover in the county. The project will be delivered in partnership with all ten district and borough councils.
By visiting www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/yourtree residents will be able to choose from a selection of eight different native species, or a hedgerow pack, which will be provided on a first come first served basis. Residents who have successfully requested free trees will receive an email from the council with details of the date and how to collect them from a local pick-up point.
Residents will be able to choose from eight different species, all of which have been chosen for their suitability for planting in Hertfordshire:
- Crab apple
- Field maple
- Hawthorn
- Hazel
- Hornbeam
- Rowan
- Silver birch
- Wild cherry
Cllr Eric Buckmaster, Executive Member for The Environment at Hertfordshire County Council said: ‘Last year we saw exceptional demand from residents to play their part in creating a more sustainable county and we’re committed to ensuring that this well received offer continues providing the opportunity for all to take positive climate action.
‘Working in partnership with our district and borough colleagues to give our residents the tools to help tackle the climate crisis is a great example of the kind of cooperation that we need to create a more sustainable Hertfordshire.’