'People want to get their hands dirty': Hundreds of trees and hedges find new homes

Over two busy days at Boothby Wildlands and Bardney Dairies, council teams handed out 200 planting packs to local residents who had signed up for the free bundles.

Each tree pack came with 50 saplings, stakes, and tree guards, featuring small-leaved lime, hornbeam, English oak, field maple, wild cherry, and hazel.

The hedgerow packs weren’t shy either — each included 250 hedging plants, with a mix of hawthorn, hazel, dogwood, dog rose, and blackthorn, plus canes and spiral guards. That’s enough to plant up to 50 metres of double-row hedgerow!

Coun Danny Brookes, Executive Member for Environment at LCC, said: "We’ve been thrilled with the turnout.

"Every single tree and hedge pack was snapped up across the two days. People in Lincolnshire really care about the environment and want to get their hands dirty to help local wildlife and our county’s green spaces."

This latest giveaway is the third round this year organised by LincWoods, LCC’s tree-planting project, in partnership with the Woodland Trust, Tree Council, Lincolnshire Co-op, and Forestry Commission.

"Our previous giveaways were a big hit, and these latest events show that demand is still sky-high," added Cllr Brookes. "We’re committed to planting more trees and hedgerows across Lincolnshire — it’s about giving residents the tools to make a real difference."

Paul Woodgate from the Woodland Trust said: "These packs are perfect for people who want to do their bit for the environment.

"They provide a brilliant start for anyone looking to help wildlife and create a greener county.

"We’re delighted with the success of this scheme and will have more opportunities for residents next year."

Lincolnshire currently has one of the lowest tree cover rates in the UK at just under 4%, compared to the national average of 13%. LCC’s goal? 750,000 new trees across the county.

Through LincWoods, the council is working with landowners, farmers, businesses, parish councils, and local communities to plant new woodlands, hedgerows, orchards, and individual trees. Residents can also get free advice on species selection, protection, management, funding, and grants to make their planting efforts a success.

Coun Brookes added: "Lincolnshire’s green future isn’t just about numbers — it’s about the people who care enough to get planting. These events show that, together, we can really make a difference."

To get involved or find out more, visit: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/trees