Grab a Free Tree for National Tree Week and Help Cornwall Go Green

Thousands of free tree saplings are set to be handed out across Cornwall as part of the Forest for Cornwall’s campaign to boost green spaces and work towards a carbon-neutral Cornwall. The tree giveaway kicks off with National Tree Week, which runs from 23rd November to 1st December, and will continue throughout the planting season.

Where and When to Collect Your Free Tree

The Forest for Cornwall team has organised multiple locations across the county where residents can pick up a free sapling. With a range of native species, including spindle, rowan, whitebeam, hazel, crab-apple, and dogwood, locals have the opportunity to enhance their back gardens while contributing to Cornwall’s green initiatives. Each sapling comes with a leaflet detailing its care and species information.

Collection events will be held at:

• Newquay: 23rd November, 10:30 am–12:30 pm, Newquay Library, Marcus Hill, TR7 1BD
• Camborne: 30th November, 10:30 am–12:30 pm, Kehelland Trust Shop, Trelowarren Street, TR14 8AT
• Padstow: 11th January 2025, 10:30 am–12:30 pm, Padstow Church Rooms, PL28 8B
• Bude: 18th January 2025, 10:30 am–12:30 pm, Bude Library, The Wharf, EX23 8LG
• Helston: 1st February 2025, 9:30 am–12:30 pm, The Old Cattle Market, TR13 0SR
• Redruth: 15th February 2025, 10:30 am–12:30 pm, Market Way, TR15 2AU
• Liskeard: 22nd February 2025, 10:30 am–12:30 pm, The Workshed, PL14 4BA

Additional giveaways are available at select libraries, thanks to saplings provided by Medequip UK, at locations including Camelford Library (30 November, 6–8 pm), St. Austell (26 November, 2–4 pm), Wadebridge (27 November, 2–4 pm), St. Ives (30 November, 10 am–12 pm), and Falmouth (26 November, 10 am–12 pm). These libraries are also inviting patrons to engage with tree-themed displays and interactive activities, along with the opportunity to plant a “knowledge tree” in their gardens.

Other National Tree Week Events

Cornwall’s National Tree Week will feature a variety of activities organised by the Forest for Cornwall team and its partners:

• Talk on Tree Planting and Care: Project Officer Joe Harris will deliver a free talk at St Ives Community Orchard on 26 November from 1 pm to 3 pm. This session will offer insights into tree planting, maintenance, and the support available from the Forest for Cornwall team.
• Women’s Institute Tree Planting: Seventeen Women’s Institute branches across Cornwall will be planting celebratory trees at their halls or other public spaces.
• Urban Tree Challenge Fund Project in Newquay: Tree planting will take place in St Aubyn Crescent and Whitegate Road following public consultation, bringing the first of this year’s street trees to the area.
• Volunteers in Action: Teams from Suez and Cormac will join forces on 26 November to maintain newly planted woodland at Notter Bridge near Saltash.
• Educational Planting at Cornhill Farm: Students from Kehelland Village School will assist in planting trees at Cornhill Farm near Camborne during National Tree Week, part of the farm’s effort to improve the environment for their free-range chickens.

A Million Trees and Counting

Earlier this year, the Forest for Cornwall surpassed a major milestone of planting one million trees across more than 600 hectares. This season, the programme plans to cover an additional 400 hectares, incorporating field corners, orchards, and over 20 kilometres of hedgerows.

Cornwall’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, Cllr Martyn Alvey, emphasised the initiative’s impact, stating, “Trees are a vital tool in our mission to help nature recovery and to mitigate climate change. Our Forest for Cornwall team is working hard to ensure that the right tree is planted in the right place for the right purpose. Come and pick up a free tree for your back garden and help restore nature in your community.”

For more details on events and to get directions, visit the Forest for Cornwall’s website and help Cornwall’s journey to a greener, more sustainable future.