Trees for communities
We have two trees for communities offers running currently. Read on to see if you can claim any free trees for your community.
Community Orchards
We are offering free fruit trees to establish community orchards in North Kesteven as part of the Coronation Living Heritage Fund.
Orchards can be established on either public or private land but must provide community access and engagement. Anyone is welcome to apply, including community groups, parish or town councils, charities, schools and residents’ associations.
In order to classify as an orchard, trees must be planted in a group of at least five trees in the same location, therefore trees will be provided in packs of five, alongside stakes, ties and tree protection. Whilst we cannot guarantee specific trees within each pack, we aim to include a mixture of fruit types and Lincolnshire Heritage varieties. Please note we are unable to provide ongoing maintenance for the tree.
If you have a large enough space, please do apply for more than one pack of trees. We have up to 75 trees available.
An ideal site receives a good amount of sun, is not too windy or exposed and does not get waterlogged. We recommend allowing for 5 to 6 metres between the trees. If you have a site in mind, but are unsure if it is suitable, please do get in touch.
To apply for trees, please complete our application form.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Friday 20 December. However, please note that applications will close sooner if capacity is reached. Applications will be reviewed by a panel on a rolling basis and those who are successful will be informed.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss this further, please email climate_change@n-kesteven.gov.uk or phone 01529 414155 and ask for the Climate Change Team.
You can also request a paper copy of the application form using the contact details above. Please note, tree pack numbers are limited and dependent on availability from suppliers.
50th Anniversary commemorative trees
2024 / 25 marks the 50th anniversary of North Kesteven District Council being established, and to celebrate the occasion we aim to plant 50 single specimen trees around the District of North Kesteven.
The tree must be a native species, however, the species of tree provided will depend on any preferences you may have and the suitability of the site for the tree to thrive in the long term. The site should be accessible to the public to some extent (e.g. school grounds, amenity land, parks, village greens). Anyone is welcome to apply, including community groups, parish or town councils, charities, schools and residents’ associations.
Trees will be provided singly, alongside stakes, ties and tree protection. Please note, we are unable to provide ongoing maintenance for the tree.
To apply for trees, please complete our application form.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Friday 20 December. However, please note that applications will close sooner if capacity is reached. Applications will be reviewed by a panel on a rolling basis and those who are successful will be informed.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss this further, please email partnerships@n-kesteven.gov.uk or phone 01529 414155 and ask for the Partnerships Team.
You can also request a paper copy of the application form using the contact details above.
Trees suitable for the 50th anniversary commemorative planting
Our Tree Officer has compiled a list of native British trees that should thrive in a variety of locations in North Kesteven. Please review this list and indicate your preference on the application form. If you’re unsure, please contact us for advice.
Sizes:
- Large tree: 15m tall and above
- Medium tree: 10-15m tall
- Small tree: up to 7-10m tall
| Species | Features | Size when full grown | Ideal location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alnus glutinosa (alder) | Architectural when mature | Large tree | Wet soils |
| Betula pendula (silver birch) | Attractive white bark | Large tree | Full sun, drought intolerant |
| Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) | Attractive fruit clusters | Large tree, narrow crown forms available | Clay soils (not suitable for Lincoln Cliff/Cliff villages) |
| Fagus sylvatica (beech) | Beautiful tree | Large tree | Shade and lime tolerant (suitable for Lincoln Cliff/Cliff villages), grows among other trees |
| Ilex aquifolium (holly) | Berries, evergreen | Large tree | Drought tolerant |
| Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) | Beautiful tree | Large tree | Full sun, drought tolerant |
| Quercus robur (English oak) | Iconic. Supports more species than any other | Large tree | Needs space |
| Tilia cordata (small-leaved lime) | Good for pollinators | Large tree, smaller cultivars available | Shade tolerant |
| Tilia platyphyllos (large-leaved lime) | Good for pollinators | Large tree, Tilia cordata x T. mongolica ‘Harvest Gold’ is smaller, attractive hybrid | Shade tolerant, needs space |
| Acer campestre (field maple) | Autumn colour | Medium tree. ‘Elsrijk’ variety has consistent form | Grows well in NK |
| Betula pubescens (downy birch) | Attractive white bark | Medium tree | Shade and drought intolerant, tolerates poor or wet, acid soil |
| Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) | Edible berries, mayflower. Wildlife tree | Medium tree | Drought tolerant, shade intolerant |
| Malus sylvestris (crab apple) | Edible fruits | Medium tree | Fruit fall can be nuisance on paved areas |
| Prunus avium (cherry) | Cherries, attractive flowers, pollen source | Medium tree | Keep away from paved areas, minimise pruning, avoid verges |
| Prunus padus (bird cherry) | Berries, attractive flowers, pollen source | Medium tree | Untidy looking tree, tolerates wetter soils than P. avium |
| Salix caprea (goat willow) | Pussy willow catkins, early pollen source | Medium tree | Full sun. Not in residential areas |
| Sorbus aria (whitebeam) | Berries, attractive flowers, pollen source | Medium tree | Drought tolerant. Vulnerable to soil compaction- avoid verges and waterlogged areas |
| Sorbus aucuparia (rowan) | Berries, autumn colour | Medium tree | Vulnerable to soil compaction- avoid verges and waterlogged areas |
| Sorbus torminalis (wild service tree) | Fruit very popular with wildlife | Medium tree | Drought tolerant |
| Taxus baccata (yew) | Iconic. Associated with religious sites from pre-Christian times | Medium tree | Leaves and seeds poisonous- keep away from livestock. Drought tolerant |
| Corylus avellana (hazel) | Nuts, catkins | Small tree | Multi-stemmed, treat as large shrub |
| Crataegus lavigata (woodland thorn) | Edible berries, mayflower. Wildlife tree | Small tree | Shade and drought tolerant |
| Euonymus europaeus (spindle) | Good autumn colour | Small tree | Poisonous fruit |