Free tree giveaway returns to Wakefield this weekend
Friday, February 06, 2026
After a successful giveaway last year, Wakefield Council offering thousands more free trees to residents this February. Residents are invited to claim free trees as part of ongoing efforts to create a greener district and enhance local wildlife habitats.
“We’re working closely with the Woodland Trust to offer more free trees to our residents. The uptake from the last giveaway showed just how enthusiastic people are about bringing more green life into our community.
Anyone who missed out last time has another opportunity to collect a tree for their home. Tree planting helps improve air quality, while increasing biodiversity - all as part of our journey to create a greener district.”
Cllr George Ayre
Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Services
A total of 4,000 free trees were given away in November and December 2025, with all trees claimed within just four weeks. Due to the strong demand, the Council has worked with The Woodland Trust to secure an additional stock of free trees. An initial 4,000 trees will be available starting from Sunday 8 February, with a further 6,000 expected the following week.
Residents can collect the trees from Thornes Park Nursery, between 10am to 12pm, every Sunday starting from Sunday 8 February, until stocks last. Some trees will also be available to collect from select participating public venues.
Roger Parkinson, a Woodland Trust volunteer, said: “The response that we had previously was amazing. We had people and businesses from across the district picking up trees for their gardens and land. I was delighted to also support local schools to get involved too.
So, it’s great that we can now offer more trees to even more people. These new trees will support local wildlife and contribute to our efforts to combat the effects of climate change.”
The trees are all native species, which have been chosen to benefit wildlife. These include Rowan, Wild Cherry, Hornbeam, Holly, Field Maple and Dogwood. Hawthorn and Blackthorn trees, ideal for strengthening hedgerows are also available.
No appointment is required to collect trees for residents and community groups.
Anyone collecting trees should bring a large bag to protect the roots. They must also have the landowner’s permission before planting the tree. Postcodes will also be collected to help map the impact.
Planting trees helps soak up rainwater, which can reduce flooding and support a healthy environment. Restoring hedgerows gives birds, insects, and small animals places to live and find food. When hedgerows are linked together, they form wildlife corridors that help animals move safely between green spaces.
Last year the Council gave away 4,000 trees to residents. Bringing the total number of free trees given to residents over the last four years to 20,000 trees.
Wakefield Council is a partner in the White Rose Forest partnership. The White Rose Forest will form part of the Northern Forest of 50 million trees. In the 2025 tree planting season the Council planted an additional 25,000 trees. Helping to create a range of habitats for wildlife and get a step closer to the district reaching net zero.
For more information about the tree giveaway, visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/woodland