THOUSANDS of trees are being given away to schools and communities to help boost the environment.

The Woodland Trust has delivered trees to be planted in a variety of places - from schools to golf clubs to parks - as part of their free tree scheme this year.

And more than 4,000 have already been given away in Dorset.

Dorset has tree cover of just 11.66 per cent compared to the national average of 13 per cent.

Beccy Speight, Chief Executive of the Woodland Trust, said these free trees will bring the rewarding taste of nature to many.

She said: “Our free tree scheme has been running since 2004 and so far we have delivered 7.6 million free trees for many different causes – bringing nature to hundreds of thousands of people.

“It is really great to see the many reasons people plant these trees, from providing that little bit of green space amid a sea of buildings, as part of projects to bring people together and for the health benefits of getting into the great outdoors.

“Of course, there are the equally important environmental reasons – more trees means more oxygen, more homes for wildlife, and more spaces that people can enjoy and visit.

“Our free trees scheme really helps to inspire new generations of nature and tree lovers – we know because they tell us!”

Woodland Trust tree packs have been generously funded by lead partners Sainsbury’s, Ikea Family, players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Yorkshire Tea.

These trees will also contribute towards the Woodland Trust’s First World War Centenary Woods Project.

The Woodland Trust is planting millions of trees to create a poignant legacy to those who lived and served in the First World War. As part of this it is also creating four new woods – one in each of the UK’s four countries.

Schools and communities can now apply for tree packs for autumn 2 and the Woodland Trust has 4,750 packs available. They are available in various sizes and the types of trees are tailored towards people’s needs.

All those eligible will receive their tree packs between 7-11 November

People can apply for packs by going to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees