'Your Tree Our Future' scheme empowers Hertfordshire residents to grow a more sustainable county through tree planting

Notes to editors

This scheme is being delivered in partnership with the county’s district and borough councils. Quotes from some of the district and borough council representatives have been provided, if you wish to include them then please select the quotes from the appropriate councillor(s) for your readership:

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “I’m delighted that we secured funding with Hertfordshire County Council to plant many more trees in our town, and that residents are being given the opportunity to get more involved with making Watford a greener place to live. Two years ago, the council unveiled its ambitious Tree and Woodland Strategy, which included the goal of planting 20,000 trees over the next four years and increasing the town’s tree canopy cover from 18% to 20% - which is above the national average - over the next ten years.

“Trees provide massive benefits for our environment and help make our air cleaner. The new trees won’t just be in our award-winning parks, woodlands and open spaces but also on local streets. We are working hard with local community groups, businesses, Veolia and the county council to make our parks, streets and green spaces even better.”

Councillor Steve Jarvis, North Herts Executive Member for Environment and Leisure, said: “Trees are a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and it’s great that we can all make a difference by planting one.

“Our own 10,000 tree giveaway was very popular last winter so I hope local residents and communities get involved in this county scheme just as much, as we continue to work together to grow a greener future."

Councillor Seamus Quilty, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with neighbouring authorities on the Your Tree Our Future initiative and I hope Hertsmere residents take advantage of the scheme to help create a greener Hertsmere. In addition to the 10,000 trees being given away as part of the county-wide scheme, we are giving away an additional 4,000 trees to Hertsmere residents.

“Trees are so important to improving air quality, increasing natural habitats for our wildlife and helping to combat environmental issues, which is why we have committed to this initiative. Each tree sapling planted locally will help in the fight against climate change and will benefit local biodiversity, as well as air quality, for years to come.” 

Councillor Chris White, Leader of St Albans City and District Council, said: “Tackling the climate emergency is our priority and we have the overwhelming support of our residents for the measures we are taking to do this.

“We have been active in planting trees across the District and this scheme offers us a great opportunity to plant even more.

“Trees help create a cleaner environment and I urge our residents to take advantage of Your Tree Our Future and claim free trees for their neighbourhoods.”

Cllr Barrett, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services at Dacorum Borough Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for Dacorum’s residents to help do their bit to improve local air quality, support wildlife and take positive action against climate change. I hope many residents take up the offer of a free tree to plant in their garden – helping to create a more sustainable borough for all.”

The Your Tree Our Future project will run for four years, starting in Autumn/Winter 2022 where 10,000 trees will be available. A further 30,000 trees will be available each year for the following three years.

Residents will be able to choose from eight different species, all of which have been chosen for their suitability for planting in Hertfordshire:

• Crab apple
• Field maple
• Hawthorn
• Hazel
• Hornbeam
• Rowan
• Silver birch
• Wild cherry

A limited number of hedgerow packs which include 30 trees (enough to plant 5-6 metres of hedgerow) will also be available.

The county council’s Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy sets out how it plans to become a more sustainable organisation while also helping to tackle the climate crisis in Hertfordshire. The key ambitions of the strategy that are supported by this project are: net zero greenhouse gas county by 2050, enhance nature across Hertfordshire’s land and water by 20% by 2050, cleaner air for all by 2030 and communities ready for future climates. Find out more about the council’s sustainability work at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/sustainability