Free trees for schools and communities 

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland is celebrating 30 years of standing up for woods and trees by giving free trees to schools and communities.

Woodland Trust Northern Ireland director, John Martin, explains:

"Planting trees can make a real difference to pupils especially in areas with limited green space. Since we set up our office in Northern Ireland back in 1996, we’ve planted millions of trees across the country, but some neighbourhoods still have significantly fewer trees than others which can impact pupil wellbeing, access to nature and local biodiversity. Our Tree Equity Score highlights these areas – and we particularly encourage schools and community groups in areas with a low Tree Equity Score to apply for a free tree pack.

Improving access to nature supports wellbeing for children and young people as well as strengthening local biodiversity, encouraging outdoor learning and strengthening environmental understanding."

Tree packs contain a mix of Northern Ireland sourced and grown native saplings including oak, wild cherry and silver birch. Pack sizes start at 30 saplings, which is perfect for an area with limited space.

As numbers are limited, we encourage local schools and community groups to register their interest now to receive a free tree pack which will be delivered this autumn. 

Our free tree packs are generously funded by lead partners Lloyds Banking Group and Simplyhealth.

Notes to editors

For more details on this release contact Michelle McCaughtry in the Woodland Trust press office: 07979 304703 or michellemccaughtry@woodlandtrust.org.uk.

Tree Equity Score

The Tree Equity Score was launched by American Forests and has been brought to the UK by the Woodland Trust and the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. Tree Equity Score UK is a map-based application created to help address disparities in urban tree distribution. The online tool measures how successfully the benefits of urban tree canopy are reaching communities, especially those on low incomes.

About the Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust was established in 1972 and is now the UK's largest woodland conservation charity, with more than 500,000 members and supporters. With a vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, today the Trust owns and cares for more than 1,000 woodland sites, covering around 33,000 hectares.

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026. We’ve been a voice for trees and woodlands since 1996, planting over 7 million trees and creating over 50 woods. In Northern Ireland, the Trust cares for over 50 woods. These woods contain a mix of recently planted woodland, mature woodland and ancient woodland.

The Woodland Trust has three key aims:

1. protecting the UK's rare, unique and irreplaceable ancient woodland
2. restoring damaged ancient woodland, nurturing precious pieces of our natural heritage back to life
3. establishing new native woods and trees to create healthy, resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.

Access to all Woodland Trust woods is free so everyone can experience the physical and mental benefits of trees.