Isle of Wight tree giveaway

Update 21/12/2022: We've had an overwhelming response in the first 24 hours. Sadly this means the tree giveaway is now closed for new applications. Thank you all for your interest.

We will be in touch with all applicants over the next two weeks to let them know if their application has been successful and the types of trees they have been allocated. 

As part of our commitment to supporting biodiversity gain and net zero, we’re giving away 500 native saplings (whips) to local residents. This pilot initiative is for anyone with space available on their own land to care for an grow a young tree. It is in partnership with our Parks and Countryside team; and Natural Enterprise's Gift to Nature.
The whips will be unbranched young tree saplings of approximately 0.5-1.0m/1 foot 7inches – 3 foot 3 inches in height and 2 to 3 years old.

You can apply for up to five free whips per household to plant on your own land.

Before applying please review the information for each type of tree provided in the below links. Please pay attention to the expected growth sizes of the trees. While we are giving away small whips, when fully grown the trees will be much larger. Their root systems will also grow and if planted too close to property or infrastructure this may cause damage over time. Please bear this in mind and ensure you have checked expected growth against the size of the area you have available to plant the trees.

The species available are: 

We expect demand for the available whips to be high. They will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Each successful applicant will be provided with up to five trees from the species they state that they are happy to accept. No applicants will be offered any species that they state they do not want. You can also opt to be placed on a waiting list in case trees become available later.

If your application is successful

Further information about collection and maintenance will be provided to you if your application is successful. You will need to be able to collect the whips, using your own transport. Whips will be available from collection from 10 to 13 and 17 to 20 January 2023.

Join the Local organisations planting trees scheme

We are planning to work with local organisations to plant more whips across the Island next year.

As a local organisation or school if you are interested in being involved, email sustainability@iow.gov.uk 

Organisations are asked not to apply through this process. 

Please note: do not use this email address to request whips under the tree giveaway - only online or paper application forms will be accepted.

Queen's Green Canopy initiative

To celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, the Queen's Green Canopy initiative has been running throughout 2022. Following the Queen's passing this has been extended until March 2023. People were asked to celebrate the jubilee by planting trees and plotting them on the Queen’s Green Canopy map.  If you are successful in applying for trees, please consider adding yours to the map.

Download our Tree giveaway privacy notice.

In consideration of the Isle of Wight Council transferring the ownership of specimen trees to private individuals/organisations, the said private individual/organisation hereby agrees to indemnify the council, its employees, servants, or agents, from and against all liability for personal injury (whether fatal or otherwise), and/or loss or damage to property, and any other loss or damage arising from the position of planting, lack of future maintenance, or recipient's negligence.

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