The scheme, Plant a Tree for 2003, is aimed at local groups and organisations who want to 'green up' their local communities by planting trees.

The trees, all native to the UK, are suitable for large open spaces such as village greens, field corners, hedgerows, school fields and play areas.

Every year the council plants hundreds of new or replacement trees across the city but many areas in York have a poor tree population and the free tree scheme is being seen as a way of boosting the city's below-average tree cover.

Devised by the council's tree officer Harvey Lowson the 'Plant a tree for 2003' scheme will be supported by volunteers from the York Tree Warden Group.

Planting will be done during the coming planting season - November, 2002 to March, 2003 - and local groups will be encouraged to plant during National Tree Week from November 20 to December 1.

The trees available, which will be five to six feet tall when supplied, are field maple, wild cherry, beech, oak and ash.

The first trees for any group or individual meeting the criteria will be supplied free but a voluntary donation of £5 for subsequent trees will be asked for to help the work of the Tree Warden Group.

Harvey said, "This is a great opportunity for local groups who are concerned about their environment to increase York's tree cover and enhance their own areas. The trees are there - the land is there, now all we need is committed volunteers to put the two together!"

Councillor Derek Smallwood, the council's executive member for the environment and planning, said, "Plant a tree for 2003 is a great way for local groups to contribute to greening our city and I hope that the council ends up giving away loads of trees.

"I think this scheme will be a great success and is a wonderful opportunity for people to work in partnership with the council to improve their neighbourhood environments for free."

Any group wishing to take part should contact Harvey on York 01904 551316 or by e-mail at harvey.lowson@york.gov.uk

END

TEXT of LEAFLET

A UNIQUE SCHEME has been set up to provide trees for individuals, local groups and organisations to plant within the City of York Council area Each year the City of York Council plants hundreds of new or replacement trees within its jurisdiction. This includes our parks and woodlands, roadside verges, housing estates, car parks, school fields, streets and village greens. We are now offering a range of free native trees to be planted and responsibly cared for by those who want to improve their local environment.

I planted that!

TREES are a valuable asset to every day life and many areas in York have a poor tree population, which could be improved by this scheme using your help and determination. More British native trees are also needed in and around York which has well below the national average of tree cover in its region. In addition to our normal planting programme this scheme aims to encourage you to have a go at 'greening up' your local community by planting trees which will benefit both yourself and the local population. Local groups and organisations are also being encouraged to devise community events to celebrate their planting schemes. This will help residents and groups to work together to improve their localities themselves. Individuals and groups can then nurture the tree(s) through its early years and watch it mature with pride thinking, 'I planted that'! If you involve local young people in your scheme, they will help to protect trees from the likelihood of vandalism. York Tree Warden Group (YTWG) has volunteered to assist with the scheme and give help and advice to applicants wanting trees. In return we are asking for donations to be given to the Tree Wardens to help them continue to carry out the main objectives in their constitution. These objectives include tree protection, conservation and helping to educate local people about tree related issues. YTWG are part of a national tree warden scheme set up by The Tree Council, a registered charity. Details of both organisations are available on request. This scheme will run for the 2002 - 2003 planting season only (November to March) and if possible you are encouraged to plant your tree(s) during National Tree Week which is from 20th November to 1st December 2002.

How to get a tree

THOSE wishing to take part should contact Harvey Lowson, City of York Council Arboricultural Officer, to request more details and an application form. He will consider your application for suitability and contact you if your scheme is approved. For you to obtain our trees the main criteria will be based around the tree(s) position and its/their ability to be seen and enjoyed by as many people as possible who are near or passing by the site. You can even apply for a tree(s) to plant on private land as long as you have the land owner's written agreement and the site fits our criteria. The landowners of the sites will become responsible for the planting, maintenance and upkeep of the trees once collected. Spot checks will be made to ensure the trees have been planted and are being maintained correctly for a period of two years. We cannot guarantee the survival of the trees and unfortunately no replacements will be available, however free help and advice will be available to give the trees the best possible chance of success in their new home. What kind and how big?

THE TREES are all large-growing, British native species and you will need to pick sites which will allow a tree to grow to it's mature size without becoming a nuisance. They will be from 2 - 3 metres tall when supplied and are in bare root form (No container) . The tree species and potential sizes of their mature canopies are as follows:

Field Maple - small to medium; Gean or Wild Cherry - medium to large tree; Beech - large; Oak - large; Ash - large tree.

None of the trees are suitable for small gardens or yards where regular pruning would be required. Subject to our criteria, the trees would suit most large, open spaces including front gardens, village greens, field corners, hedgerows, car parks, school fields and play areas, commercial property frontages and derelict land. They could be used as a memorial, to celebrate an event such as National Tree Week, or used to signify a specific location such as a village centre or Parish boundary.

What you must pay - if anything

IT WILL cost nothing if you plant one specimen tree yourself using your own materials and labour. However, a voluntary donation of around £5 each for any further trees is requested to assist The York Tree Warden Group in continuing to carry out their good work. You will be given planting instructions with your tree and also have the opportunity to buy good quality tree stakes, ties and watering pipes.

We would like to encourage you to organise the work yourself with friends, neighbours and local community groups. Should you be unable to do this, then The York Tree Wardens may be able to help you find someone to plant the tree for you. Don't forget - in open, vulnerable areas further protection against vandals and livestock should be considered such as steel mesh tree guards.

Care and ownership

YOUR TREE should be planted in the agreed final site as soon as possible after collection, and its details and position will be recorded on a database set up for the scheme. Once received each tree and all its future aftercare and maintenance will become the landowners responsibility. Trees planted on Council (public) land will remain the responsibility of the Council unless planted unde