07 September 2010Free trees are being made available to individuals, schools and community groups across the Sevenoaks District as part of a Kent-wide scheme that could see up to 40,000 trees planted across the county.
The Kent Free Trees Scheme launches this week and offers up to 25 trees completely free of charge to applicants.
Anyone who applies can select the number and type of trees. Trees are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis until the closing date for applications on 30 October 2010.
All successful applicants will be informed in mid-November and trees will be available to be collected from selected pick-up points across Kent, including one in the Sevenoaks District.
For more information or to find out how to get hold of an application form, go to the Sevenoaks District Council website www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/environment and visit the 'Initiatives in Sevenoaks District' page in the Sustainable Development Section.
Alternatively call Kent County Council on 08458 247 600 or visit the Kent County Council website, www.kent.gov.uk.
Cllr Avril Hunter, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for sustainable development, says: "This is a fantastic scheme that will help local wildlife, enhance the character of our District whilst helping to address climate change, as new trees will soak up some of the carbon in our atmosphere. Best of all it is completely free!"
Sevenoaks District Council is committed to actively conserving and enhancing the countryside and landscape character. By planting 25 trees, up to seven tonnes of carbon dioxide could be absorbed during their lifetime, the equivalent of a year’s worth of emissions from the average household.
The scheme has been made possible through sponsorship from Network Rail, Kent County Council and the borough and district councils of Kent, including Sevenoaks District Council, and the London Borough of Bexley. The scheme is co-ordinated and delivered by the Countryside Partnerships.
For further information on the Free Trees Scheme, contact Simon Davies by e-mailing sus.dev@sevenoaks.gov.uk or calling 01732 227374.
