South Cambridgeshire District Council in 2018 pledged to become a zero carbon council by 2050. It also declared a Climate Emergency and one of the administration’s core objectives is to “Be Green to our Core”. The council is therefore promoting actions and events to get parishes and residents on the journey to achieving that target
What is Three Free Trees scheme
One of the actions being promoted to get us on the zero-carbon path is the planting of trees. To this end, South Cambs is offering every parish in the district a £60 voucher to buy three small trees. Hence it being called the Three Free Trees scheme.
If parishes wish, they could purchase either one or two larger trees if preferred. There is also the option to buy smaller trees if it better suits the land that is being planted.
Why Three Free Trees
It is well known that trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air, help clean the air (improving air quality) and creates more natural habitats for wildlife. It also makes our landscape green, inviting and great for our sense of wellbeing.
What is not well known is that the district has one of the lowest tree covers in the country. So if we are going to make an impact in reducing carbon, we must increase the number of trees. The council coordinates a Tree Warden network in a bid to help enhance local trees and woods. The Three Free Trees project enjoys the full support of the Tree warden network.
The Council is committed to delivering its zero carbon objective and three trees planting is a means to do that. The size of tree is meant to be a whip or “unbranched young tree seedling”. The three free trees must be planted on parish council land, or allocated community land.
Which Three Trees to Plant
According to the Woodland Trust long-living native species such as oak and maple are effective at pulling carbon dioxide from the air and storing it. However, these species grow up to be very large so you might want to consider smaller species such as Hazel, Blackthorn, Crab Apple and Goat Willow for smaller spaces
For medium size options, consider Elder, Field Maple, Hawthorn, Holly and Yew. There’s a lot more information available in the Three Free Tree Guidance Notes on the council website.
How to get Three Free Trees
The offer of the £60 voucher is now open and the deadline for applying is 14 March 2020. All the trees must be planted by 31 March 2020.
To apply, please go to the three free trees webpage at http://www.scambs.gov.uk/three-free-trees. Take action now and get your application in today.
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