With recent funding, the scheme will offer up to 14,000 trees to farmers across the Rugby borough, significantly contributing to our climate objectives.
To enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable agriculture, the Free Trees for Farmers scheme, initiated by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust in 2021, has already seen the successful plantation of 75,000 trees over the past four years in Warwickshire.
The scheme offers a selection of native trees, ensuring a variety of blossoming and fruiting times throughout the year that encourage biodiversity and support different pollinators. Farmers can choose from different tree packs, including hedgerow, fruit, and woodland trees, tailored to suit their land.
The initiative strongly aligns with Rugby Borough Council's climate goals and fosters a positive, nature-centric focus with farmers, who play an essential role in climate mitigation and adaptation.
Cllr Maggie O’Rourke said, “This initiative is a great opportunity for farmers to access free trees for their land, promoting biodiversity for the future. Farmers can choose from a variety of tree packs, helping the borough enhance the diversity of its tree population.”
Cllr Neil Sandison said “Warwickshire and Rugby have lost substantial tree cover over the years. Support from farmers will help this scheme to restore some of our woodland and wildlife habitats by backing the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Trees for Farmers initiative. Hedgerows are also vitally important as wildlife green corridors, the natural world’s superhighways, and they provide excellent flower margins for insects.”
Farmers within the local authority's boundaries interested in receiving free trees as part of the scheme should apply before the deadline on Sunday 13 July at 11pm.