Applications are now open to farmers across Stratford-on-Avon District for the latest round of the Free Trees for Farmers scheme from Stratford-on-Avon District Council in partnership with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

The fourth round of the scheme is now open for Expressions of Interest (EOI), offering farmers the opportunity to receive free trees for planting on agricultural land.

A total of £35,000 is available this year for the purchase of trees, helping farmers enhance their land while delivering environmental benefits for future generations.

With periods of extreme heat and heavy rainfall becoming increasingly common, tree planting can play a vital role in helping farms adapt to changing weather conditions. Trees provide shade for livestock during hot weather, improve water absorption during periods of heavy rainfall and help reduce surface water run-off, making farmland more resilient to climate impacts.

The scheme supports the planting of a range of native and climate-resilient tree species suited to agricultural settings. Species such as oak, field maple, hornbeam, lime, wild cherry and silver birch can provide long-term environmental benefits, while species including alder and willow can help improve water management in wetter areas. Hedgerow and smaller tree species such as hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel and crab apple also provide valuable food sources and shelter for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. 

As well as helping farms adapt to a changing climate, trees increase carbon sequestration by capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, create habitats for wildlife and strengthen connections between fragmented habitats, allowing species to move more freely across the landscape.

Farmers interested in taking part are invited to complete the Expression of Interest form by 9 August: https://forms.gle/EUSneHRnufYa36uu6

Councillor Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "Through our partnership with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, we're pleased to support another round of the Free Trees for Farmers scheme.  Trees deliver a wide range of benefits for farmers and the wider environment. Planting the right trees in the right places can bring multiple benefits for farms and nature.

"We would encourage eligible farmers to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. By working together with farmers, we can create a more connected landscape that benefits both food production and wildlife."

Stratford District Council has successfully delivered the Free Trees for Farmers scheme for three consecutive years from 2024, distributing 29,000 trees to local farmers. 

The initiative is now run in partnership with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and covers four districts: Solihull Borough, Warwick District, Stratford District, and Rugby Borough.

The scheme enables farmers to request any number of trees from pre?designed 'tree packs' including:

• Hedgerow packs (species mix for wildlife corridors)
• Fruit tree packs
• Woodland pack

Trees are UK?grown, sourced from local suppliers, and designed to include Warwickshire's rarer species and a full blossom sequence to support pollinators
Farmers can apply for a single tree pack or hundreds of trees. Collection dates are set in winter, and planting should be done as soon as possible after collection. The scheme is free and open to all eligible farmers in the participating Councils.