Thousands of trees being given away to residents

The free trees will improve biodiversity across the district, those behind the project say

Four thousand trees are being given away to residents to improve biodiversity.

Wakefield Council has teamed up with the Woodland Trust to encourage people to create new wildlife habitats and support the council's net zero goals, the authority said.

Residents can collect a variety of trees for free from Thornes Park Nursery every Sunday while stocks last.

The trees are all native species and have been chosen to benefit wildlife, the trust added.

Residents can collect the trees from a Wakefield nursery every Sunday morning until stocks run out

The council said the project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and was "part of local efforts to create a greener district and enhance local wildlife habitats".

The trees, chosen for their wildlife benefits, include hawthorn, blackthorn, hornbeam, hazel, birch, rowan, dogwood and wild cherry, the trust said.

Councillor George Ayre said the council was "delighted" with the scheme.

"We're inviting as many people as possible to come and collect a free tree," he said.

"You'll be helping to create a greener district and supporting work towards our district's net zero goals."

The Woodland Trust said planting trees and hedgerows also combats damaging effects caused by climate change.

"Planting trees helps soak up rainwater, which can reduce flooding and support a healthy environment," it said.

"Restoring hedgerows gives birds, insects and small animals places to live and find food. Linked hedgerows form wildlife corridors so animals can move safely between green spaces."

The council is part of the White Rose Forest partnership, encompassing all the woodland across North and West Yorkshire.

The White Rose Forest consists of all the woodland in North and West Yorkshire

Last year, the council said 4,000 trees were given away with 16,000 planted by residents in the last four years.

In the 2025 tree planting season, 25,000 trees have been planted and the aim is for 20,000 more by February 2026.

The free trees can be planted at schools, community projects and farms, as well as gardens but the landowner's permission must be sought before planting, the council said.

They can be collected each Sunday while stocks last from 10:00 GMT to midday from Thornes Park Nursery in Wakefield, and are also available at Pontefract Castle, Wakefield Exchange (WX), The Art House, Angler's Country Park and at libraries during National Tree Week (until 30 November).

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