PEOPLE across Colchester will be able to get their hands on thousands of trees which will be given away for free this month.

Colchester Council's annual Trees for Years event is back for 2023. 

Now in its 16th year it will see the council hand out 15,000 native trees, shrubs and fruit bushes to residents.

The plants have all been specially chosen for their ability to promote wildlife in gardens and contribute towards the city’s bee population.

The scheme comes as part of the wider Colchester Woodland and Biodiversity Project, which hopes to develop a greener city for future generations.

The scheme runs as part of a click-and-collect system, which allows residents to collect their trees, with a maximum of four per household, at a collection point and timeslot via an online form.

The scheme is open to residents who live within the Colchester city boundary and it is recommended participants bring along a bag or a container for their plants.

The trees available include red and yellow dogwoods, silver birch, hazel, field maple, raspberry, blackcurrant, crab apple, lavender and box.

All trees will be bare-root and range in height from 50cm up to 1.2m.

Residents will able be able to access a free planting guide online.

The trees, plants and shrubs will be available for collection at the following locations and dates:

  • Saturday, February 25, at Tiptree Leisure World
  • Monday, February 27, at Marks Tey Village Hall
  • Wednesday, March 1, at Colchester Sports Park
  • Friday, March 3, at Colchester Leisure World

Steph Nissen, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability said: “The Trees for Years scheme is a vital part of our commitment to the environment, helping residents to make their own spaces a haven for wildlife, and in turn ensuring that Colchester is a green city for future generations.”

To find out more, or to book a slot for the Trees for Years giveaway scheme, visit bit.ly/3HTJFIa.

We passionately believe in providing unrivalled quality journalism and value for money.

With a digital subscription, you can access our exclusive, insightful and trustworthy local news from just £1 a week.

If you are not already subscribing, sign up today to get instant access to our trusted local coverage - and an ad-light experience - check what package works best for you here.