Oadby and Wigston tree giveaway for residents to plant

Residents will be able to apply for trees and then collect them from the country park

Residents of a Leicestershire borough are being offered the chance to apply for a free sapling to plant.

Oadby and Wigston Council said it planned to give away the trees as part of National Tree Week, to encourage people to have a positive impact on the environment.

One resident said she hoped to increase the variety of trees in her garden.

Councillor David Carter said he hoped the scheme would help get people thinking about climate change.

'Start the conversation'

Razan Salameh, one of the first residents to apply for a tree, said: "I was interested to apply as I have a big garden and I am always keen to add to the variety of trees I've got.

"I'm hoping to collect [the trees] next week."

Mr Carter, who chairs the council's environment working group, said: "We wanted to encourage families and organisations in the borough to think about climate change and carbon emissions.

"We recognise free trees won't solve the problem but they start the conversation."

The trees will include locally grown varieties

The council said each household and community organisation in the borough can apply for up to two trees via email.

The trees include locally grown native varieties such as hawthorn, spindle, hazel, holly and dog rose and will be available from 27 November, which coincides with National Tree Week.

Collections will be from Brocks Hill Country Park in Oadby.