South Hams treescapes are stunning and crucial habitats for so much wildlife but are under threat from Ash Dieback which is estimated will kill at least 90% of Devon’s ash trees in the coming years.

You can collect up to five free trees to plant and help fight climate change.

They are all cell grown UK broadleaf species such as crab apple, wild cherry, rowan, oak and birch. The trees are 2 to 3 years old so around 20 to 60cm in height and will need to be planted within a few days of collection. They are provided wrapped in damp newspaper to protect the roots but please bring a reusable ‘Bag for Life’ with you to carry them home.

Most native trees (oak, wild cherry, birch) will grow to 15m+ in height when fully grown so aren’t really suitable for a small garden. Hawthorn, crab apple or hazel would be most appropriate if you have a smaller garden.

All trees are completely free. All they ask is that you complete a pledge card when you collect your trees so we can see where they are being planted and to allow them to check on how the trees are getting on.

If you wish, when you plant your trees, you can also dedicate them to be a part of the Queen’s ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ scheme which is aiming to encouraging members of the public to plant trees to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. See Queen’s Green Canopy for more details.

If you need more than five trees this should be possible, but you are asked to contact the organiser in advance.

Saving Devon’s Treescapes is led by Devon Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Devon Ash Dieback Resilience Forum a partnership project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as well as other funders.

The Kingsbridge Free Tree Hub will be held on the Bandstand in the main square alongside Kingsbridge Farmers Market on Saturday January 15 between 9am an 1pm.

Contact email: [email protected]https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/events/2022-01-15-free-tree-hub-kingsbridge