Farmers across the South West are receiving free trees to plant on their land. The trees are being delivered through a partnership between the NFU South West, Woodland Trust and Lloyds Bank and will be planted over the coming weeks. Packs include trees suited to hedgerows, copses, wet woodlands or for wildlife.

Assistant outreach officer for the Woodland Trust, Rob Daulby, said, “Trees help combat climate change by soaking up carbon dioxide, give shade and shelter for livestock, provide habitat for birds and insects and improve water quality and soil health. More trees mean more connectivity of woods and trees across the landscape providing vital wildlife corridors.

“By working in partnership we can do so much more to expand the woodland cover across the south-west landscape and support farmers with their tree planting ambitions. Whether people want to plant their own largescale woodland, a new hedgerow or more bespoke agroforestry scheme, we can give advice on the best approach, help design and offer subsidised trees – all of which are UK and Ireland sourced and grown.  What’s more we have a carbon offer that could enable farmers to earn an income from planting trees too.”

Melanie Squires, NFU South West regional director said: “We are delighted so many of our members have taken advantage of this opportunity. As custodians of the South West’s fabulous landscapes which provide so much, not just in terms of providing the food we eat but as the foundation of our vital tourism industry, farmers know how important it is to keep it looking its best, which includes having plenty of healthy trees.

“Trees also play an important part in storing carbon on farms which will be crucial as we move towards farming becoming net-zero for carbon emissions by 2040, so we are pleased to be working with the Woodland Trust and Lloyds Bank to help us achieve these goals. ”

Lee Reeves, head of UK Agriculture, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Lloyds Bank, in partnership with the Woodland Trust, is helping to plant millions of trees by 2030, to absorb harmful carbon emissions from our air. As part of this, we’re pleased to support farmers to plant more trees and hedges on their land through the funding of free trees, in conjunction with the NFU South West and the Woodland Trust.”

The trees can also form part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Farmers have been invited to register their planting as part of these celebrations and at the end of the year a map will show the extent of the planting across the UK that makes up the Queen’s Green Canopy.

Any landowner who is interested in creating woodland, hedgerows or taking part in agroforestry schemes can find out how the Woodland Trust can support them at woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant

The Woodland Trust, the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, provides millions of free trees for farmers, landowners, schools and communities every year.