We are looking to secure funding for more free tree packs for delivery to youth groups during November 2009.
Please tell us if you would like to be considered for a pack and we will tell you if and when funding becomes available
Tell us you would like a pack here
Please read on for a detailed description of each pack and what it contains. If you need any further information please e-mail
Useful and fun resources and activity sheets relating to the hedge and copse packs are available to download here
Copse Pack
The Copse Pack contains 30 native trees which are suitable for planting as a small wooded area or 'copse'. The species are rowan, Silver birch and wild cherry. You will receive 10 of each.
The spacing of the trees will depend on your individual requirements and the area you have allocated for the trees. However as a guide they can be planted from 2m apart (for a very dense wooded area) up to 5m apart or more. The wider the spacing the more room there will be between the trees for the children to explore and it will mean less thinning of the trees in future years. These are all medium size trees and will generally need more space than the hedgerow pack.
All three species will add additional interest and colour and be of benefit to wildlife. The wild cherry will give you fantastic white blossom in the spring. The birch is dramatic throughout the year with its textured white bark and the vivid berries of the rowan will give you added interest in the autumn and the chance to make rowan jelly!
Hedge Pack
The hedgerow pack containing 30 plants (6 of each) of the following: Hawthorn, hazel, holly, dog rose and dogwood.
The trees can be planted as a traditional hedgerow and provide an excellent habitat for wildlife.
If planted as a single row they should ideally be spaced 30cm apart, if they are going to be a thick double row hedge then they should be planted 50cm apart and each parallel row 40 - 45cm from the other. Therefore you will need an area where you can plant the hedge that is approximately 8m long.
Site Requirements
Ensure that the planting site has been agreed by all concerned and you are certain you are planting in an area that is free from any services that run under or over the site, these include: water, gas, electricity and communications. Your local service providers will be able to help you with this if required.
Take into account the growth of the plants, they will spread out as well as up. Their overall size can be controlled with cutting back but don't plant too close to any buildings or paths for example.
Try to ensure that whichever location you choose it has a reasonable soil which is not too shallow and free draining, other trees or shrubs which are doing well within the school grounds can be a good indicator.
Both packs can be used in a variety of areas for example redundant corners of school playing fields or as a boundary marker along the line of an existing fence. You may want to start a wildlife garden or want to increase the range of species within an existing one.
Order your hedge or copse pack here
