The Woodland Trust is urging schools and communities across the South West to step up and fight climate change by taking advantage of its latest tree-pack giveaway.

The conservation charity is now accepting applications to its free tree-pack scheme, which sees sapling trees handed out across the country for members of the public to plant.

Woodland Trust senior project lead Vicki Baddeley said: “We’re so proud of the numbers of free trees we’ve been able to give away, knowing they’ll be planted where they can really make a difference – in school grounds and out in the community.

“We’re in the grip of a climate and nature crisis which can’t be overcome without concerted action, so I’d urge every school or community group who can, to get involved and plant more trees!

“Applying is easy and all saplings are fully funded for those receiving the trees in our autumn delivery in November. All you need is time and a small piece of land to plant on. In just a few years, your trees will have grown big enough to lock away carbon and be a thriving habitat for wildlife. They’ll offer free shade and shelter and help make the community space or playground, and the people who have access to it, happier and healthier.

“It would be incredible if we can reach a total of five million since 2020 this year – what an achievement and contribution that would be. There’s no time like the present, so sign up and take advantage of the scheme."

Last spring The Woodland trust distributed 17,240 trees to 152 organisations across Devon and Somerset as part of its mission to plant another 50 million native trees across the UK by 2030. Since 2010 the Woodland Trust has given away almost 14 million trees.

The community tree planting scheme is funded by Sainsbury's, Lloyds Bank, OVO Energy, the Bank of Scotland, and Sofology.

To request a free tree pack for your school or community visit the Woodland Trust website.