As the weather turns to autumn, Cambridgeshire County Council is delighted to announce that applications are now open for free tree and hedgerow pack giveaway to landowners, community groups, parish councils or organisations looking to create wildlife habitat, connect existing green spaces, or enhance local landscapes.
Delivered in partnership with the Woodland Trust and the Forestry Commission, this ambitious community-led nature recovery programme hopes to increase tree and hedgerow cover across the county, restore natural habitats on council land and support community-led nature recovery projects.
Each tree pack funded by the Woodland Trust contains 50 native broadleaved trees and 1.2m tubes and stakes, and is suitable for planting approximately 0.03 hectares of new tree cover. Organisations may apply for a maximum of two packs.
Each hedgerow pack funded by the Forestry Commission contains 250 native hedgerow shrubs, guards and protection and two to three hedgerow trees, and is suitable for creating approximately 50 metres of new hedgerow. Applicants may apply for a maximum of three.
People or groups applying for the free packs can apply for a hedgerow pack, a tree pack or both and must confirm that trees or hedgerows will be planted be the end of February 2027. By taking on these trees or hedgerow, applicants must agree to follow planting and maintenance guidance and continue ongoing maintenance of the trees and hedgerow.
Cllr Ros Hathorn, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council's Environment and Green Investment Committee, said: “We are proud to work with the Woodland Trust and The Forestry Commission whose support is bringing thousands of trees and hedgerow plants to communities across Cambridgeshire, helping to create new wildlife habitats and work towards a greener future for the county.
“I would encourage anyone with a suitable area of land to apply to become part of this scheme and share our commitment to making a green and sustainable county. Packs are limited and we expect demand to be high, so early registration is recommended.”
Ben Green, Regional External Affairs Officer at the Woodland Trust, said: “Planting a tree is a small act with a future much bigger than ourselves. Through this partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council and the Forestry Commission, we want to make it easier for people to turn their enthusiasm for nature into something lasting on the ground.
“This isn’t just about planting more trees and hedgerows, but helping to join up the green spaces we already have, giving wildlife more room and bringing nature into the places where people live. Residents, community groups and parish councils all have a part to play in shaping that greener landscape.
“If you have suitable land and can care for the trees as they grow, I’d really encourage you to take advantage of these free packs. What starts as a planting day this winter could become a living legacy for your community. It’s a chance to be part of something that will keep growing long after the last tree has gone into the ground.”
Macbradan Bones, Forestry Commission Nature Recovery Advisor, said: “The Forestry Commission is delighted to be a partner in the Cambridge and Peterborough Tree Woodland Forum and see this project come to fruition. Hedgerows run quietly through the countryside, but are often overlooked. They are a key tool in our nature recovery toolbox alongside woodland creation, providing a vital wildlife habitat and seed source, as well making a contribution to storing carbon and supporting climate change. Our advisors can provide support and advice to farmers and landowners wanting to explore how to plant more trees on their land.”
To sign up for a tree or hedgerow pack, or for more information, please visit Cambridgeshire Free Tree & Hedgerow Pack Giveaway 2026/27. Tree and hedgerow packs will be available until all packs are allocated.
Packs will be available for collection from a central Cambridgeshire location during National Tree Week (21-29 November 2026), or February half term 2027. Successful applicants will receive further details after registering.
