Free Trees

[rekstout]

I am looking to create a copse in one of my paddocks (2 acres or so) which borders on a public footpath but to which the public have no access or right of way.

Does anyone know of any organisations who might assist in providing suitable trees either free or reduced in price? I have tried my council but not heard anything back yet and cannot see any such scheme on offer from the forestry commission of woodland trust.

[rekstout]

PS The trees suitable for the local area are as follows...

Sessile Oak, Field Maple, Hazel, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Wild Cherry, Rowan and Guelder Rose

[xyzzyplugh]

rekstout is this to be a public copse? Also, isn't a public footpath, by definition, a right of way? And why does it have no access? I would think that if you're looking to create a public amenity then you would get 'some' financial assistance. The thing with councils is you have to get one to one with them in a persistent fashion rather than merely fill a form. Good luck with your project anyway.

[xyzzyplugh]

..otherwise, I may have misread your question; is it that the path does have right of way and the intended copse is to have no right of way? In which case, disregard everything I said before "The thing with councils.. And if I haven't misread your Q. then please disregard everything in this second answer except for the last sentence. :-)

[rekstout]

The copse will border a public footpath - much like someone's front garden borders a public footpath but the public have no right to picnic in their front garden.

My council will fund planting for public areas and areas which are visible from a public area but not for an exclusively private area. I am looking for the forestry equivalent of a grant to restore a listed building. Replanting old English woodland species in order to reverse the deforestation of this green a pleasant land and create a haven for local wildlife.

[Andromeda]

Have you asked the Forestry Commission directly? They only publicise their Woodland Grant Scheme on the web, but they may have a scheme for private woodlands. Having said that as there will be minimal public usage for such a project they may decide that it is an inappropriate use of public funds.

Andy

[rekstout]

I have spoken to the Forestry Commission - they sent me a booklet explaining the different grant schemes and about woodland management - problem is that they deal with hectares of woodland and are more geared toward commercial replanting and bigger projects - also, there are many many caveats and conditions applied which must be followed. It's a possibility but I'm really looking for somewhere to supply plants as opposed to grants.

[honkytonkman]

Alas I have no advice to give but just wanted to say I thoroughly commend you for what you're intending to do. The wildlife will love it. Well done rekstout!

[rekstout]

I have to confess that one of the more selfish reasons is that planting trees means less paddock to mow!