10,000 trees being given away
More than 10,000 trees are being given away to groups across the county as part of an annual planting scheme.
Shropshire Council is offering the trees, which include 13 different varieties, to parish tree wardens, schools, environmental and community groups, parish and town councils, farmers and landowners.
Hedgerows are also available under the scheme.
A spokesman for Shropshire Council said: "Our beautiful countryside is one of the county's greatest assets and trees, woodlands, and hedgerows make a significant contribution to this. Equally trees can add character and beauty to the built environment, enhancing rural villages and larger towns alike.
"Our community tree scheme is one way in which we support tree planting in Shropshire. It enables parish tree wardens, schools, environmental and community groups, parish and town councils, farmers and landowners to apply for native trees and shrubs free of charge. In fact the scheme is open to anyone who wants to plant trees in a location where they will be readily visible to the public and enhance the landscape and character of the area."
The trees supplied are usually small bare-rooted transplants, between 20 and 90cm tall.
The council spokesman said: "Rabbit spirals and bamboo canes can also be included to help protect against damage from rabbits and field voles, which could otherwise eat the foliage and gnaw the stems of the young trees."
There is a maximum number of 100 trees and 60 hedgerow transplants per applicant.
Trees available include alder, beech, birch, cherry (bird), cherry (wild), chestnut (sweet), crab apple, field maple, hornbeam, lime (small leaved), oak (english), rowan, and scots pine.
Groups can complete an application form for the trees on Shropshire Council's website.
