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Friday 13 Jan 2006

TREES FOR FREE IN KENT GREEN SCHEME

Region & Route:

| Southern

Organisations throughout Kent will be getting green fingers this winter thanks to a Free Trees scheme sponsored by Network Rail in partnership with Kent County Council, the North West Kent, Medway Valley and Mid Kent Downs Countryside Partnerships, and Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Free Trees Scheme is able to supply up to 25 trees free of charge to any individual or group owning land including: schools, community groups, hospitals, churches, farmers, private individuals and many more. The scheme aims to improve and protect the Kent environment through the planting of trees in the boroughs of Bexley, Dartford, Gravesham, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling, Maidstone and Swale. Network Rail’s Route Director, Andrew Munden, said: “Network Rail is committed to protecting the environment so this scheme is a great way for us to join forces with local partnerships to help develop the Kent countryside. The Free Trees Scheme is a fantastic chance for organisations across the county to enhance their local landscape so I would encourage everyone to apply.” Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport & Waste, Keith Ferrin, said: "We are delighted to be working with Network Rail across three of our countryside partnership areas. Working towards a healthier environment is a key priority for Kent County Council and this project gives many people an opportunity to improve their locality and help Kent’s countryside." This year’s Free Trees Scheme has now been launched and is open for organisations to apply for their free trees. A leaflet about the scheme is now available explaining how to apply, who is eligible, as well as which trees are available and their suitability for different areas. Anyone interested in applying for free trees should call 08458 247 600 or email environment.economy@kent.gov.uk for a free leaflet and application form. In order to maintain a safe railway Network Rail has an ongoing programme of vegetation management alongside the railway to prevent the problems caused by: leaves on the line, signalling equipment blocked by trees, branches falling on the line and many more. The Free Trees Scheme is a chance for Network Rail to work with local countryside partnerships to put something back into the environment. The scheme has already seen over 11,000 trees planted throughout North Kent over the past four years.