Residents, schools, community groups and local organisations are encouraged to apply for free trees and hedge packs as part of the One Tree per Resident (OTpR) project.
Today sees the launch of Free Trees for Residents, the next phase of the One Tree per Resident (OTpR) project. OTpR is an ambitious initiative by Westmorland and Furness Council which aims to ensure the planting of a quarter of a million trees over five years.
The project is a response to the climate and biodiversity crises, aiming to create greener spaces, enhance biodiversity, and help tackle climate change. The initiative supports communities across the area to plant one tree - or one metre of hedgerow equivalent - for every resident, bringing long-term benefits to people, wildlife, and the environment.
To date, over 44,000 trees and hedgerows have been planted across Westmorland and Furness through community-led initiatives and partner organisations. The Council is now building on these efforts with the next phase of the OTpR project which will see the rollout of free trees and hedge packs, aiming to further boost community involvement in planting and ensure that more areas of Westmorland and Furness can benefit from trees and hedgerows.
The scheme is open to residents, schools, town and parish councils, businesses, community groups and landowners across Westmorland and Furness.
Participants can choose from 10 native species of tree, provided as young saplings. The selection has been carefully chosen to ensure there are suitable options for pots, small gardens and larger outdoor spaces. Applicants are welcome to request as many trees as they have space for. Available tree species include Juniper, Hazel, Crab Apple, Whitebeam, Silver Birch, Hawthorn, Field Maple, Guelder Rose, Rowan and Yew.
For those looking to plant hedgerows, hedge packs are also available. Each pack contains 105 saplings - 15 of each of the following species: Crab Apple, Field Maple, Hawthorn, Hazel, Rowan, Silver Birch, and Whitebeam - providing around 20 metres of hedgerow when planted.
Councillor Giles Archibald, Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Environmental Services, said:
"As an ecologically aware council, we recognise the urgent need to take action on climate change and biodiversity loss. The One Tree per Resident project is a major part of our commitment to a greener future, empowering our communities to make a real difference. This initiative was a key pledge in the Liberal Democrat manifesto, and we are proud to be delivering on that promise.
“The launch of this latest scheme is a key part of our efforts to support communities in increasing tree and hedgerow coverage, which plays a vital role in mitigating climate change impacts. Trees not only sequester carbon and contribute to our net zero goals, but they also enhance biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and create healthier spaces for people and wildlife.”
Applications can be completed online and are open until Sunday 30 November. Further details are available on the Council’s website.
Applicants will be responsible for collecting their tree saplings and/or hedge packs during one of the designated collection days in January 2026.
Applicants will be asked to select a preferred collection point from a list provided on the application form. Once applications have been assessed and confirmed, applicants will receive confirmation of their collection date and location.
Councillor Archibald added:
“With over 44,000 trees and hedgerows already planted, this next phase will build on our efforts and bring us closer to our ambitious target. We are proud to have already supported community orchards and micro woodlands across the area, and with this new scheme, we are hoping even more people get involved. We are fortunate to have many active and involved communities in Westmorland and Furness and I hope many residents, schools, town and parish councils, community groups and landowners will consider applying.”
