Almost 3,500 free trees have been collected by Staffordshire residents at a series of community tree giveaway events held across the county over the winter.
The initiative, delivered by Staffordshire County Council and the Staffordshire Sustainability Board, has seen thousands of households play an active role in improving their local environment, boosting biodiversity and helping to keep the county’s green spaces beautiful for future generations.
Residents were invited to choose from a range of native species including hawthorn, rowan, silver birch, crab apple, hazel and whitebeam. All species were selected to support wildlife, enhance local landscapes and contribute to a more resilient natural environment.
Nigel Yates, chair of the Staffordshire Sustainability Board and cabinet member for climate change and environment at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said:
Supporting residents to play their part in improving Staffordshire’s environment is incredibly important to us. The tree giveaway is a fantastic example of how, by working together, we can make small changes that add up to a significant impact. Planting a tree today helps create a healthier county for future generations, and I’m delighted to see so many residents getting involved."
Andrew Mynors, vice chair of the board and cabinet member for connectivity at Staffordshire County Council, said:
It’s been fantastic to see such strong support from our communities. Every tree planted helps make Staffordshire greener, healthier and more attractive, and it’s great to know these trees will be enjoyed by future generations. Our residents have shown real pride in their local area, and we’re grateful to everyone who got involved."
The success of the giveaway contributes directly to the county’s wider ambitions for Staffordshire’s future. By helping to enhance green spaces and celebrate what makes the county special, the initiative supports efforts to make Staffordshire an even better place to live, visit and invest in.
Residents who collected a tree are encouraged to plot it on an interactive map, to help celebrate every tree planted across Staffordshire and track the growing impact of its communities.
