Hundreds of residents in Torbay will have the chance to get a free tree as part of a partnership between us and Devon Wildlife Trust.

The Saving Devon’s Treescapes project is giving away UK broadleaf species such as Oak, Rowan and Crab Apple and come with protection plus a free planting and aftercare guide. There are 300 trees for Torbay residents and you can claim them by booking an appointment at the Recycling Centre.

The project is giving away free trees (whips) due to the devastating impact Ash Dieback is expected to have on the landscape over the next few years.

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture for Torbay Council, said: “We are pleased to support this scheme along with Devon Wildlife Trust.

“Tackling Ash Dieback disease is a Council priority and we have also recently started a comprehensive tree planting scheme across Torbay. We are committed to tackling climate change and reducing our carbon footprint and more tree planting is a key part of this, as outlined in our Community and Corporate Plan.

“So why not take this opportunity to get a free tree and do your bit to tackle climate change.”

Saving Devon's Treescapes is led by Devon Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Devon Ash Dieback Resilience Forum. It's a partnership project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as well as other funders. Torbay Council is a key partner of the project.

You can order your tree (first come first served basis) - you will then need to collect your tree from the Recycling Centre in Tor Park Road, Paignton at the time of pre-booked appointment. Trees are available from 16 March.

Find out more about the Saving Devon’s Treescapes.

Benefits of tree planting

• Absorbing and storing carbon emissions helping us to tackle the climate emergency
• Improving air quality
• helping keep our homes cool
• provide timber, wood and fibre products
• offer opportunities for people to reconnect with nature
• provide spaces to improve health and wellbeing
• help to reduce flood risk
• reduce the costs of water treatment

You can watch a video about the project and also search #SaveDevonsTrees on Twitter and Facebook.