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Free trees for schools and communities

Trees help people and nature thrive. Getting more in the ground will give us all a greener, healthier future, so we’re giving thousands away free to schools, councils, clubs and community groups to help make that happen.

Hundreds of schools across the UK have planted free trees.

Credit: Philip Formby / WTML

Community groups can apply for free tree packs too.

Credit: Judith Parry / WTML

Who can apply?

Any educational establishment and all kinds of local authorities and not-for-profit community groups, including resident associations, sports clubs, local councils, faith groups, scouts, guides and many more.

Why should we apply?

Trees keep us cool in summer, clean our air and help reduce flooding. They encourage more wildlife with food and shelter, boost our physical and mental health, and help fight climate change too. 

Our free packs come in eight different species mixes of 15, 30, 105 or 420 saplings to accommodate every project and give everyone chance to plant a tree. Whether you’re growing an outdoor classroom, sheltering a sports pitch or transforming your neighbourhood, get involved and make a real difference for people and nature where you live, work or play. 

When will we get the trees?

We make two deliveries a year, in March and November. We're currently taking applications for tree packs to be delivered in March 2026. Applications are expected to close in January. We’ll let you know within eight weeks if your application is successful.

What’s involved if we’re successful?

Planting trees is a commitment, but don’t worry, we’ll give you all the advice you need for your trees to thrive. Bear in mind that as well as physically planting, you’ll need to prepare the site and take care of your saplings until they’re established enough to need just occasional monitoring. Your pack will include planting instructions and care tips, and our planting advice pages are packed with useful information too. Tree Tools for Schools also has helpful tools and guidance that's useful for community spaces as well as schools.

What will we get?

Our free packs include 15, 30, 105 or 420 saplings. You can request up to four packs as long as the total does not exceed 420 trees. Each tree is 20-60cm tall, making them easy to transport, handle and plant. Please note free tree packs don’t include protection, so check out our advice on helping young trees thrive. All the trees we supply are sourced and grown in the UK and Ireland. 

Before you apply you’ll need to:
  • find the six digit grid reference for the land you wish to plant using OS Maps
  • get permission from the legal landowner
  • read our FAQs for important and useful information which will help your application.

It’s also a good idea to contact your local council’s tree enquiries team before you apply, as they may have important guidance for planting in your area.

Choose your pack

Our packs contain native trees that thrive in UK soils, so you can choose the ones that best suit your goals regardless of your location. Please note we can't customise packs. Species may vary from those listed. 

Hedge pack

Make a natural screen for privacy or to reduce wind or noise. Hedges are also great for joining habitats together to help wildlife travel.

  • Minimum land required: 6-8 metres for double-row hedging
  • Trees: 30
  • Species: dog rose, hawthorn, hazel, crab apple, dogwood
  • Suitable for hedging? Yes

Copse pack

Create a mini forest, plant small groups of trees or line a walkway or boundary. This pack could create pockets of shade for people to enjoy, a place for students to learn, homes for wildlife to thrive and much more.

  • Minimum land required: 1x tennis court
  • Trees: 30
  • Species: 10x silver birch, 10x rowan, 10x wild cherry
  • Suitable for hedging? No

Wild harvest pack

Grow an array of fruits and nuts to produce your own jams, jellies and wines, or provide extra food for wildlife.

  • Minimum land required: 4x tennis courts (105 trees) or 1x football pitch (420 trees)
  • Trees: 105 or 420
  • Species: hazel, blackthorn, crab apple, elder, dog rose, rowan
  • Suitable for hedging? Yes. Up to 25 metres (105 trees) or 100 metres (420 trees)

Year-round colour pack

Enjoy stunning autumn leaf displays, beautiful blossom and bright berries that are also important food for wildlife.

  • Minimum land required: 4x tennis courts (105 trees) or 1x football pitch (420 trees)
  • Trees: 105 or 420
  • Species: hawthorn, dogwood, wild cherry, silver birch, rowan, hazel
  • Suitable for hedging? Yes. Up to 25 metres (105 trees) or 100 metres (420 trees)

Working wood pack

Trees are real workhorses when it comes to capturing and storing carbon. Help tackle climate change where you live with a whole woodland.

  • Minimum land required: 4x tennis courts (105 trees) or 1x football pitch (420 trees)
  • Trees: 105 or 420
  • Species: field maple, rowan, silver birch, wild cherry, common oak, grey willow
  • Suitable for hedging? No

Wild wood pack

These hardy native species are especially suited to sites exposed to the elements and help dry up wet areas too.

  • Minimum land required: 4x tennis courts (105 trees) or 1x football pitch (420 trees)
  • Trees: 105 or 420
  • Species: holly, hazel, crab apple, downy birch, hawthorn, goat willow
  • Suitable for hedging? Yes. Up to 25 metres (105 trees) or 100 metres (420 trees)

Wildlife pack

Provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife for years to come, from tiny insects to small mammals like dormice, hedgehogs and squirrels.

  • Minimum land required: 4x tennis courts (105 trees) or 1x football pitch (420 trees)
  • Trees: 105 or 420
  • Species: hawthorn, rowan, blackthorn, silver birch, hazel, common oak
  • Suitable for hedging? Yes. Up to 25 metres (105 trees) or 100 metres (420 trees)

Urban pack

These small, easy-care native trees thrive in urban environments. This pack is ideal for greening up a street or sharing between neighbouring gardens.

  • Minimum land required: 1x tennis court
  • Trees: 15
  • Species: 5x crab apple, 5x rowan, 5x hazel
  • Suitable for hedging? No

Request a free tree pack for your school or community

Apply now

Not ready to apply yet?

Get help and inspiration from our FAQs and case studies.

Plan your project

Our free tree packs have been generously funded by lead partners Sainsbury's, Lloyds Banking Group and Simplyhealth.