A few trees are still left to claim as Hounslow Council's big giveaway gets started with the first of three free tree events across the borough.

In the run-up to last month's UN COP 26 climate summit, the Council pledged to give away 500 trees to residents to help make Hounslow greener.

Anyone interested in taking a tree to combat climate change was encouraged to register online and turn up to one of three special green giveaway events.

The first of these took place last weekend and saw residents flock to Dukes Meadows in Chiswick to collect trees ready for planting in their gardens.

The event coincided with the start of National Tree Week, which runs from Saturday 27 November to Sunday 5 December and marks the start of the winter growing season.

The free trees come as potted or bare-rooted plants and range in height from 40cm to 60cm. Varieties on offer to the public included Beech, Hawthorn, Hazel, Fig, Apple and Hornbeam.

Hounslow Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, Cllr Samia Chaudhary, was on hand at Dukes Meadow to help with the horticultural handout.

Cllr Chaudhary said: "It was great to see so many residents turn up to collect their trees.

"Climate change is an issue that affects us all and it is happening now.

"The Council has declared a climate emergency and has pledged to do all we can to reduce carbon emissions in our borough. If we are to safeguard our environment for the generations to come, everyone has a part to play.

"Planting a tree is a good way to start and could provide you with a lasting legacy in your garden."

The Council has encouraged those who collect a free tree to take part in The Queen's Green Canopy initiative, which invites everyone in the UK to plant a tree to mark Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

As part of their pledge to plant a tree for every child born in the borough, the Council planted 4,500 trees last year. Only a few of the free trees remain and there's still time to claim one. To be in with a chance of getting one, you have to register an interest.

Two more giveaway events:

Sunday 12 December at Redlees Park car park, Isleworth. Sunday 16 January at Hounslow Heath car park.

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