Town and parish councils are being offered free trees by Somerset West and Taunton Council as part of its ‘green’ agenda.

Councils can order trees, stakes, ties and guards which will be ready for collection in time for National Tree Week from November 28 to December 5. 

Cllr Peter Pilkington, executive member for Climate, said: “Making small changes such as planting trees is integral to our long-term aim of creating a more sustainable future for everyone, putting climate and environmental responsibility at the heart of everything it does.

“I would encourage parish and town councils to take advantage of this offer and join us in making sure our public spaces across the district offer the highest possible environmental standards.

“This is an opportunity to create something that we all feel involved with and that will inspire and benefit people for generations to come.”

Councils can choose from Oak, Beech, Lime and Hawthorn bare root trees to the value of £50 to be collected from one of three locations across the district – Taunton Deane Nurseries, Wellington Depot or Minehead Depot.

Council Leader Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts made a commitment last year that money generated by the ice rink in Taunton town centre at Christmas would be used for tree planting.

The council is committed to work towards carbon neutrality and climate resilience by 2030.

The trees will be ready for collection week commencing November 23. For more information visit www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces/free-trees/