Bedford Borough Council offers 5,000 trees to the local community for free

Bedford Borough Council is giving away 5,000 trees to local residents, businesses, schools and community groups to collect and plant locally. This giveaway will be held on Wednesday 15 February and Saturday 18 February, from 10am to 3pm at Oasis Beach Pool car park.

Residents can collect up to five trees each. Businesses, community groups and schools can collect up to 25 trees. Stakes and guards will also be provided for sites where they are needed. People will need something suitable to prevent the roots from drying out during transport, such as a plastic bag. The trees must be planted on private land within the Borough, with the owner's permission. Addresses of the planned planting locations will be taken as the trees are collected.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "Planting these 5,000 trees will provide a boost to our local environment, from increasing biodiversity to helping to tackle climate change.

"Through this giveaway, local residents, schools, communities and businesses can all be involved. I hope that many people come to Oasis, pick up some trees and get planting. There is no need to book in advance, just turn up."

There will be a mix of native broadleaf trees and shrubs ranging from mighty oaks down to the colourful dogwood. Guidance and advice about how to look after your new trees, including a species guide, is available on the Council's website at www.bedford.gov.uk/trees in the 'Trees in Bedford Borough - Overview' section.

The Oasis Beach Pool car park can be found off Cardington Road, Bedford, MK40 0BZ or by using What3Words: ///ready.laying.dreams