Media centre

Tuesday 24 Oct 2006

KENT LANDOWNERS ENCOURAGED TO BRANCH OUT

Region & Route:

| Southern

Landowners in North and West Kent can benefit from a tree-mendous free tree scheme but they shouldn’t leaf it until the last minute as  applications must be received by 31st October. Funded by Network Rail, the Kent Free Trees Scheme can supply up to 25 trees free of charge to any landowning individual or group in the area.  The aim of the scheme is to encourage people to grow trees in local gardens, farmland, school or church grounds or community areas.  Andrew Munden, route director, Network Rail said: “Planting trees is a great way of improving neighbourhoods and also of attracting birds and wildlife.  As the operator of the UK’s railway infrastructure we have a key role as a citizen in the local community.  Operating railway lines means we have thousands of neighbours throughout the country, so it is always nice to put something back to the communities we live and work in.” Simon Bateman, partnership officer for North West Kent Countryside Partnership, which is running the Kent Free Trees Scheme said: “The trees are all native to the area and the choice is huge ranging from a blossoming Cherry to a mighty British Oak.  Anyone thinking of applying just needs to call us for a leaflet and an application form.  Using the leaflet people can check which trees are suitable for their area, fill in the application form and return it to us with their order.” The Kent Free Trees Scheme is available to anyone living in the boroughs of Bexley, Dartford, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Swale and Tonbridge and Malling.  Anyone living in one of those areas who wishes to apply or would like more information should contact the Kent County Council Contact Centre on 08458 247 600.