For the past six years, Ruddington residents have been offered the chance to make our properties greener by applying for ‘free trees’ from Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC).
Over 10,000 trees have been distributed since the start of this campaign in 2018. In previous years the authority has given villagers an option of TWO trees to apply for. For 2023 the choice has been doubled to FOUR possible alternatives. However, due to the previous high demand, we’re now only being offered ONE free tree per household.
This year, a further one thousand hazel (top left), crab apple (top right), wild cherry (bottom right) or rowan ‘mountain ash’ (bottom left) are available without charge for those who live in the Borough. Residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment, and must submit an application via bit.ly/RBCtreescheme by September 30th 2023 at the latest.
In addition, RBC says THIS year all free tree recipients will receive a 10% discount for a range of participating local businesses in Ruddington (and elsewhere in Rushcliffe) via the Green Rewards scheme once they receive confirmation of their tree. Via this app and web platform village residents can accumulate points and earn the prizes for many activities we do every day at home or out and about that help lower our carbon footprint.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety, Cllr Rob Inglis, says: “This is a very popular scheme with our residents and we’re proud to have reached a significant milestone of distributing over 10,000 free trees to residents across the Borough since 2018. Increasing the number of trees in Rushcliffe aligns with our Carbon Clever priorities to create a greener and more sustainable environment for our communities, improving the quality of life for both current and future residents.”
He adds: “Trees are important for nature, wildlife and our mental health and wellbeing. This year, we have four wonderful types of trees for residents to choose from and I encourage you to apply for a free tree as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! The opportunity to join ‘Green Rewards’ and earn a discount instantly to use at local businesses also means you can play your part to combat climate change and help to achieve net zero even more.”
- The Hazel grows to 12m tall, it has yellow male catkins in early spring, followed by edible nuts in autumn. Grows in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade.
- The Crab Apple grows to 10m tall, with blossom in spring and small, hard fruits in late summer. Grows in heavy, moist, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade.
- The Wild Cherry grows to 30m tall, with pink blossom in spring and fruits in late summer. It grows best in full sunlight and fertile soil.
- The Rowan or Mountain Ash grows to 15m tall, with clusters of creamy white flowers in spring, followed by scarlet berries in autumn. Grows in most soils but prefers light, well-drained, humus-rich soil.
RBC says successful applicants will receive the tree seedlings, approximately 20- 50 cm (0.5-1.5 feet) high on delivery, sent directly from Alba Trees. They will be delivered to addresses in Ruddington from December 2023 to February 2024.
