Branching out - free trees on offer for local schools and community groups

Local MP Alex Mayer who chairs Parliament’s Woods and Trees “All-Party Group”, has teamed up with the Woodland Trust to encourage as many groups as possible to get planting.

Parts of Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard have been highlighted as among the areas most in need of more trees. According to the Woodland Trust’s “Tree Equity” map, neighbourhoods near Woodside Estate in Dunstable and those around Grovebury Road in Leighton Buzzard are in the 6% most tree-deprived communities in England.

Applying is simple - no specialist knowledge is needed, and Woodland Trust provides clear guidance on planting and how much room each sapling needs.

Alex Mayer said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for local groups to make a real difference. Planting trees helps tackle the climate emergency, supports wildlife and are a great way to reduce flooding. With tree-planting now at its highest level in over twenty years, and with Bedfordshire set to host the country’s next National Forest, it’s clear the Government is taking nature seriously. But local action matters too. Every sapling planted locally counts, so I’d urge people to get their applications in.”

Residents can request free tree packs at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities/tree-pack-application/ to be delivered in March 2026.

Plant a Tree Week runs until Sunday, November 30.