BASINGSTOKE and Deane residents can now snap up two free trees for their gardens under a new giveaway scheme.

The initiative, designed to encourage native plants and wildlife and combat climate change, is called The Tree-Mendous Giveaway.

Application for the tree programme runs until November 10 or until stocks decline.

This joint venture by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and The Hampshire Forest Partnership targets more than 1,800 gardens.

The partnership seeks to bolster young trees in local gardens – a key strategy in their concerted effort against ecological decline.

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Residents will have a choice of 11 native tree varieties, including spindle, hawthorn, elder, and crab apple.

These types were chosen for their suitability to local soil and weather conditions and have the potential to provide food and shelter for native wildlife.

This supports the council's recently adopted biodiversity policy.

The trees, which are about 20 to 40cm tall, will be ready for collections on October 16 and November 30.

The pick-up location is the council's depot in Wade Road, Basingstoke.

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Each tree will come with care instructions and ideal planting locations in the garden.

The borough council has shown its solidarity in dealing with climate change, having declared climate and ecological emergencies in 2019 and 2021 respectively.

In a bid to aid this fight, The Hampshire Forest Partnership aims to see one million trees planted across Hampshire, setting a bold marker in their climate action plan.

Details regarding the free tree options and the application process for interested residents can be found on the council's website at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/tree-mendous-giveaway.

Cabinet member for the climate and ecological emergency councillor Chris Tomblin said: "Every tree people plant in their gardens as part of our ‘Tree-Mendous Giveaway’ will nurture plants and wildlife to support nature recovery while also absorbing pollution and capturing carbon to help tackle the climate emergency.

"And trees have also been proven to be positive for people’s mental health and wellbeing too, with just being around them being calming and helping to reduce stress levels.

"With limited numbers of trees available, anyone who’s interested should apply as soon as possible. And if you want to get more top tips for what else you can do in your garden to encourage nature, then I’d encourage you to book yourself in for a free garden survey with the eco experts in our Green Team too."