Call for new Mid Suffolk and Babergh parents to apply for a Tree for Life

A Tree for Life scheme in Babergh and Mid Suffolk, which offers a free tree for new parents, is now open for 2020 applications.

The initiative is open to all families in the districts who welcome a new arrival in 2020, in addition to parents who may have lost a child to apply for a remembrance tree.

More than 400 trees were given away in both districts through the 2019 scheme.

Tree collection events were held in Stowmarket and Hitcham, where help was on hand to advise families on their tree choice and aftercare at home.

The scheme is also open to those without gardens, with a selection of trees planted with families at locations including Needham Lake and Gallowsfield Wood, in Haughley.

Mid Suffolk saw 274 successful applications in 2019, a 53 per cent increase in take up compared to 2018.

Cllr Jessica Fleming, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for environment, said: “I hope that while we face so much uncertainty during the coronavirus outbreak, this news brings our residents some joy.”

Families can apply for their tree at www.babergh.gov.uk/environment/tree-for-life/ before January 17.

The trees must be planted within the two districts.

Eligible applicants will be invited to choose and collect their tree at a tree giving event expected to be in early 2021.