The annual ‘Trees for Years’ giveaway, where Colchester Borough Council gives away trees for free, returns this month for its 15th year with a brand-new way for residents to get their hands on free native trees.
Residents are being offered a big helping hand to green-up their gardens, with 15,000 free native trees, shrubs and fruit bushes chosen for their ability to promote wildlife in gardens and value to our local bee population available to residents.
The annual event was postponed in 2021 due to Covid restrictions but returns with a new click and collect system this year. Designed to make it easier for residents to collect from a location suitable to them, this new system will also minimise crowds as there will be five venues available across the borough, all with a different collection date.
An online form is now available on the website at www.colchester.gov.uk/trees-for-years/ where residents can select up to three trees at one of five venues across the borough, and then select a time slot for collection on the date relevant to that venue. The five venues are:
- High Woods Country Park - Thursday 17 February
- High Woods Country Park - Sunday 20 February
- Marks Tey Village Hall - Wednesday 23 February
- Hythe Community Centre - Thursday 24 February
- St Anne’s Community Centre - Friday 25 February
- Tiptree Leisure World - Saturday 26 February
The trees are only available to borough residents, who will be asked to provide a valid postcode when filling in the form and email confirmation when collecting. Residents should also bring their own bags.
Now in its 15th year, the scheme has been made possible thanks to £2,000 sponsorship from idVerde, which works in partnership with the council to maintain the borough’s green spaces, and through the Colchester Woodland and Biodiversity project.
Rob Wilson, of idVerde, said: “We are extremely pleased to support Trees for Years once again. Not only is this a great scheme to help residents and community groups to green up their gardens for free, but the day is always a great opportunity for our team to meet and get to know Colchester’s residents.”
Cllr Simon Crow, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, added: “A big thank you to idVerde for their continued support and sponsorship of this inspiring initiative, which gives residents a chance to help create a greener borough.
“We’re delighted to be able to run the event this year, after last year’s event had to be postponed due to Covid restrictions. We hope the new way of registering for and collecting trees will make this initiative even more accessible to residents across the borough.”
To find out more about the event and access the online form visit https://www.colchester.gov.uk/trees-for-years/.
If you need additional help to book online, don’t forget about the Digital Access Support Team (DAST) who can work with local people to use any online services they need: 01206 282452.
Alternatively, if you are unable to access the internet and need help completing the online form, please call 01206 282266 Option 1.
Page last reviewed: 11 February 2022