Hundreds of trees find new homes across East Staffordshire

East Staffordshire Borough Council's free tree giveaway event saw a major turnout last Monday, with hundreds of native trees finding new homes across the borough.

Despite roadworks in the area, residents turned out in force to collect free trees at The Greenhouse, Stapenhill Cemetery.

The event, organised by the Staffordshire Sustainability Board in partnership with East Staffordshire Borough Council, distributed trees to residents who are creating their own woodlands, enhancing gardens with hedging, and planting species beneficial for local bird populations.

Councillor Dennis Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change at East Staffordshire Borough Council, attended the event and collected trees for Winshill Parish.

He said: "It was brilliant to see so many residents taking positive action for the environment.

“The variety of projects people are working on, from small garden improvements to creating new woodlands, shows the real commitment our community has to tackling climate change and supporting nature."

The trees, which included hawthorn, rowan, silver birch, crab apple and whitebeam, were provided by Staffordshire County Council.

Each resident received planting guidance and a QR code to mark their tree on an interactive map, allowing the community to track where new trees are being planted across Staffordshire.

A small number of trees remain available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Residents interested in collecting a tree can visit The Greenhouse at Stapenhill Cemetery (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9.30am-2pm) or email [email protected] to arrange collection.

Residents who collected trees at the event are encouraged to add their tree to the interactive map using the QR code provided on their planting guidance leaflet.

The tree giveaway supports East Staffordshire Borough Council's Climate Change and Nature Action Plan, which commits to monitoring and encouraging tree planting across the borough.

Tree planting helps capture carbon, support biodiversity, improve air quality, and make communities greener.

For more information about the Council's climate change work, visit  their website or contact [email protected]

Pictured: Plants available at the Greenhouse