Free Tree Packs Available for Local Schools and Community Groups
Free Tree Packs for Local Schools and Community Groups
Local schools, youth organisations, and community groups can access free native tree packs courtesy of the Woodland Trust. Whether you are looking to green up a school playing field, plant a community orchard, or restore local hedgerows, this scheme provides the saplings and guidance needed to get started.
What is it?
The Woodland Trust provides free packs of UK-grown, native saplings to help local communities boost biodiversity, improve public green spaces, and tackle climate change. Packs range in size from 15 saplings up to 420 trees, with tailored mixes available for specific goals, such as wildlife habitats, year-round color, working wood, or hedge planting.
What it's for
The saplings are intended to transform local green areas, create natural shelter, support local wildlife, and give people hands-on outdoor experience. Depending on the chosen pack, they can be used to construct double-row hedges, establish copse areas, or create small woodland areas on public or educational land.
Who may be eligible?
Any educational establishment or not-for-profit community group in England, Scotland, and Wales can apply. Eligible applicants include:
Primary and secondary schools, nurseries, and colleges
Town and parish councils
Residents’ associations and neighborhood groups
Sports clubs and allotment societies
Faith groups, Scout and Guide troops, and local charities
Key requirements:
Land Access: For schools, planting must take place on school grounds, land with regular arranged access, or publicly accessible land. For community groups, the planting site must be accessible to the public.
Landowner Permission: Applicants must have explicit permission from the legal landowner before applying.
Location Details: You will need the six-digit Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference for the planting site.
Any deadlines?
The Woodland Trust delivers trees in two annual cycles: November (autumn planting) and March (spring planting).
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis for each cycle. Applications for spring delivery typically close in early January (or as soon as stock runs out), while applications for autumn delivery close in early January/February prior or once allocation is reached. Submitting early in the application window ensures the best choice of tree packs.
How to apply
Applying is straightforward and completed online:
Identify the site: Confirm land ownership permission and locate the site’s six-digit OS grid reference using OS Maps.
Choose your pack: Decide on the size and mix of species (ranging from 15 to 420 saplings) that fits your available space.
Submit online: Visit the Woodland Trust Free Trees for Schools and Communities page and complete the application form.
Once submitted, applicants are usually notified within eight weeks whether their application has been successful.
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