Residents of Hounslow can receive a free tree! In a council scheme to make the borough greener and combat climate change.

Hounslow Council announced they will be giving 500 free trees to residents ahead of the COP26 UN climate summit, taking place in November.

As part of the Council's commitment to plant a tree for each child born in the borough each year, Hounslow residents will be able to collect a free tree to plant in their own garden.

The trees will be potted plants or bare rooted and will range from 40cm-80cm in height, and they should be planted within Hounslow.

The species have been selected in line with the character of the borough in terms of its existing trees, and by suitability for the soil conditions across the area.

Tree species available are: Field Maple, Serviceberry, Hawthorn, Hazel, Beech, Swedish Whitebeam and Hornbeam – there are also fruit tree species on offer: Apple (Cox's Orange Pippin, Laxton's Superb and Bramley), Fig, Plum Victoria and Pear (Doyenne du Comice and Beurre Hardy).

To receive a free tree, residents must register their interest, with the trees to be given out at three collection events, from 10am to 2pm on:

• Sunday 28th November: Dukes Meadows, Chiswick
• Sunday 12th December: Redlees Park car park, Isleworth
• Sunday 16th January: Hounslow Heath car park.

Cllr Samia Chaudhary, Hounslow Council Cabinet Member for Leisure Services said: "The scheme is intended to inspire community action by involving residents of all ages, so they collectively create a sustainable cleaner and greener future for the borough.

"Tree planting is an immensely rewarding activity which promotes health and well-being as well as pride and ownership within the community."

As part of Hounslow Council's commitment to make Hounslow cleaner and greener, the Council planted 4,500 trees in parks and roadsides in 2020-21 and plans to continue planting trees across the borough including Christmas trees in prominent places in each ward and in each of the five main Town Centres.

Plans also include improving grass verges by planting wildflowers and expanding no mow periods.

The November event will also coincide with National tree planting week, the UK's largest annual tree celebration, which takes place between 27 November – 5 December 2021, marking the start of the winter tree planting season.