Free Tree Scheme 2009

The Free Tree Scheme has been a massive success, with more than 3000 free trees given away over the last weekend in November. The initiative saw North West Leicestershire District Council teaming up with the National Forest Company to provide an opportunity for local residents to plant trees in their gardens.

There were four trees to choose from: walnut, cherry plum, wild pear and elderberry.

All the trees provided were two years old and approximately 60-90cms (2 to 3 feet) high. Everyone who received a tree were encouraged to join in with the BBC’s Tree O’Clock initiative and be part of a Guinness world record attempt. This will involve as many people as possible planting trees across the UK on Saturday 5^th December between 11am-12pm.

Walnut (Juglans regia) - is a large, wide spreading tree growing to approx 30mtrs and has a thick trunk (more suited to large gardens). The alternate leathery leaves are made up of 7-9 large leaflets, each up to about 15cms long. Flowers are produced May - June. It is a light-demanding species, requiring full sun to grow well. Large edible nuts grow on mature trees.

Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera) - is a small tree reaching to only about 8mtrs in height. It suckers quite readily, making small thickets and hedges. Flowering in mid February; the flowers are white, 1.5-2 cm across, with five petals. The fruit is a yellow or red colour; it is edible, and reaches maturity from mid-August to mid-September. It may be eaten fresh in some forms, being sweet with a good flavour, while others are sour, but excellent for jam making.

Wild Pear (Pyrus communis) - is a species of pear native to Europe reaching to about 15mtrs. Pear trees are not quite as hardy as apples. It has green foliage and small white flowers, flowering in clumps. The fruit is edible, eaten raw, cooked and can be used to make perry.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) - is a fast growing native deciduous shrub with graceful fern-like foliage, and upright stems with fine green leaves, reaching to about 4mtrs. It produces clusters of creamy white flowers in June and July; followed by large bunches of shiny black elder-berries, high in Vitamin C. Both the flowers and berries are used in cordial and wine making. It comes into leaf early January and the leaves fall late in sheltered areas during November and have 5/7 leaflets with slightly serrated edges.

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