TWO free tree planting initiatives have been launched by Devon County Council which has teamed up with the Woodland Trust and the Devon Ash Dieback Resilience Forum to encourage communities and landowners to plant more trees.

Ten trees were planted in the grounds of County Hall in early December by pupils from St Leonard’s Primary School and members of the Devon Youth Parliament as the Council marked National Tree Week and joined the Woodland Trust’s Big Climate Fightback.

It was also an opportunity to launch the new schemes.

Devon County Council, in association with the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity the Woodland Trust, is offering a limited number of packs of 45 sapling trees to give away to landowners who may be interested in establishing a small copse or planting-up a field corner.

The packs contain a mix of native oak, rowan and birch - 15 of each. Spiral guards and canes are provided to protect against damage and planting instructions are also included.

Stocks are limited this winter, so those interested should apply early.

Applications need to be made online via the Devon Ash Dieback Resilience Forum website by Monday, January 6, 2020 and applicants will be notified if they have been successful before the end of January.

Planting must be carried out by Easter 2020.

A limited offer is also being made to Town and Parish Councils that may be interested in a commemorative planting of “landmark trees” in prominent and accessible locations. This is to encourage community awareness of the vital role of tree planting in tackling environmental threats, particularly climate change, but also the huge loss of native ash trees through ash dieback.

Devon County Council, in association with Perrie Hale Nursery near Honiton, is offering a maximum of two trees per parish or town council.

Communities can register their interest by emailing: [email protected] stating name, parish/town council, contact details and - if you already know - a description of where you would like to plant the tree.