Leicestershire County Council gives away 30,000 trees in past year as part of new scheme
Leicestershire County Council gave away 30,000 trees during the past year as part of a scheme designed to increase tree coverage across the county.
The trees are available through direct giveaways by the authority, as well as a scheme run in partnership with the Woodland Trust.
The tree packs can be accessed by anyone in the county who has suitable areas of land where they can be planted.
Between April 2025 and March 2026, 29,210 trees and hedge plants were given away through the schemes, with more than 14,500 of them claimed by schools and community groups.
Leicestershire is one of the least wooded areas of the country, with only around six per cent woodland, below the national average of ten per cent.
The available trees and hedge plants are used to renew and restore existing woodland and vegetation, as well as replacing trees affected by diseases such as ash dieback.
Cabinet member for environment and flooding at Leicestershire County Council Adam Tilbury said: “It’s fantastic to see so many residents, schools and community groups getting involved in planting trees across Leicestershire.
“The free trees schemes make it easier for people to take practical action for nature, helping to restore habitats, replace trees lost to disease and create greener, healthier places for future generations.
“Increasing tree cover is vital for reducing flood risk and supporting wildlife, and this continued uptake shows the real appetite across the county to play a part.”
In February, the county council announced it was increasing its tree planting target to one million by 2032, building on a previous pledge to plant a tree for every person in Leicestershire.