HATHERLEIGH, Lydford and Beaford Primary Schools are among dozens of schools in the South West to receive trees being sent out by the Woodland Trust.

Just over 400 organisations in the region applied for free tree packs from the Woodland Trust for the current planting season.

Director of woodland creation for the trust John Tucker said: ‘We want to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife. Thanks to the thousands of schools and groups that have applied for our fantastic tree packs, that vision is a step nearer reality.

‘We need more trees. They are a cornerstone of our landscape and countryside, crucial not only as homes for wildlife and nature, but also forming an essential and cherished part of our cultural identity.

‘But with increased losses of trees to pests and diseases, and fewer new trees being planted, if we don’t start doing something now, the  countryside could look a very different place in 10 -15 years. That’s why we want to plant 64 million trees over the next ten years – one for every person in the UK.’

Funding for the Woodland Trust trees comes from Sainsbury’s, IKEA FAMILY, players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and Yorkshire Tea. Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) is supporting additional tree packs to deliver 400,000 free trees over four years for eligible state-funded primary schools in England.

Any school or community group that has not yet taken advantage of the free trees has not missed out. A total of 390,500 free trees are available for schools and community groups to plant in March 2017 and applications close at 4pm on 6 January 2017.

Every pack is different, but each one contains saplings from seeds which were collected and grown in the UK. People can choose from species that will flourish in wetlands, attract wildlife, provide year-round colour or grow a wild harvest.

And the trust’s woodland creation champions can provide advice and even help groups find land to plant on.  To get your free pack visit the website www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees