Council backs Free Trees for Farmers

FARMERS in the borough can apply for free trees under a campaign which aims to create new wildlife habitats and support rural landscapes.
29 July 2026
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Free Trees for Farmers, co-ordinated by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and supported by Rugby Borough Council, offers farmers the chance to request free trees to plant on land - whether to create wildlife corridors, connect existing wildlife habitats or provide shade and shelter for livestock.

Since 2022, nearly 109,000 free trees have been planted on farm land across Warwickshire thanks to the campaign - with 25 farmers in the borough receiving a total of nearly 5,500 trees last year.

Farmers can choose from a variety of tree 'packs', including hedge packs, woodland packs, fruit tree packs and wet woodland packs.

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust has now invited farmers to express an interest in benefiting from this year's Free Trees for Farmers before the deadline of Sunday 9 August.

Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships, health and wellbeing, said: "Trees bring a range of benefits to both farms and the wider environment, from helping soil to absorb water to storing carbon and providing a home for a wealth of wildlife.

"I'd urge the borough's farmers to take advantage of the fantastic Free Trees for Farmers initiative and get planting to boost biodiversity and support our environment."

Farmers can express interest in joining this year's Free Trees for Farmers campaign by completing the online form.

Cllr Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for partnerships, health and wellbeing, added: "There are good reasons for planting up new hedgerows and trees, from creating wildlife corridors and nesting sites for native birds and animals, to improving drainage as hedgerows and trees absorb a considerable amount of autumn and winter rainfall."