Thousands of tree saplings are being given away across the region to celebrate more than half a million trees planted as part of a virtual forest initiative.

The West Midlands Combined Authority is working with the Woodland Trust to provide local people with saplings of native species to plant in their gardens, community spaces, schools, or other nature sites as the new tree planting season gets underway.

Since January 2020, the WMCA has been encouraging residents and businesses to register the trees they have planted on the Virtual Forest.

The number of new trees registered is now approaching 600,000 – that’s one for every school age child living in the region. To ensure that number keeps growing, tree packs can be collected from a number of locations across the region to mark National Tree Week, which begins this Saturday, 25 November. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said:

“Since we launched our Virtual Forest initiative just three years ago, nearly 600,000 trees have been planted right across our region. That’s a remarkable number and I want to extend my thanks to everyone who played a part in that.

“Trees improve our biodiversity and air quality, help us tackle the climate emergency and help us maintain our #WM2041 net zero commitment.

“National Tree Week gives us a moment to reflect on the significant benefits that the trees we plant now will deliver for many generations to come. I’d encourage local people to help keep this momentum going by attending one of the tree giveaway events.

“By then registering them on our Virtual Forest, we can keep count towards our next milestone of one million trees planted.”

Trees provide a range of benefits, and not just environmental. In addition to biodiversity and air quality they can help slow the flow of water to reduce flood risk and their canopies provide shade and reduce heat buildup in summer months.

That’s why the WMCA has made planting new trees one of the priorities of the West Midlands Natural Environment Plan, which sets out to increase local tree cover from its current 1.5 per cent to 13 per cent. Increasing the number of trees is also a key action in the West Midlands’ #WM2041 drive to become a net zero region within the next two decades. Ben Green, external affairs officer for the Woodland Trust, said:

“Trees are essential threads of life, crucial for stabilising soil, producing oxygen and providing habitats for wildlife. They contribute to the beauty and balance of our world, making excellent use of land. Imagine life without them – barren and challenging.

“We encourage communities and landowners to join us and the WMCA in planting trees for a greener future. We offer substantial financial support, along with free advice and guidance, to help you make a valuable contribution to this important cause.”

Community groups or organisations can submit requests to host a tree giveaway.

A new £1 million Community Environment Fund is also avialable to support local nature projects.