Key Points
- Richmond upon Thames Council is providing 1,000 free trees to residents, schools, and communities across the borough to enhance greenery and sustainability.
- The initiative launches in spring 2026, building on previous successful tree giveaways.
- Trees are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, requiring advance registration online or by telephone.
- Collection points include Kneller Gardens in February 2026 and Old Deer Park in March 2026.
- Varieties offered comprise yew, paper birch, and cherry plum, chosen for suitability to local conditions and benefits to wildlife habitats and food sources.
- Residents without gardens can participate by volunteering with Friends of Street Trees, a group aiding tree maintenance, especially during dry periods.
- Recently, the council hosted an event with John Rose, founder of Friends of Street Trees, to promote tree care awareness.
- The scheme supports air quality improvement, local biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and increased tree cover borough-wide.
Richmond upon Thames (West London News) January 26, 2026 – Richmond upon Thames Council has announced the return of its popular free tree giveaway for 2026, offering 1,000 trees to residents, schools, and community groups. This initiative aims to bolster the borough’s green spaces and sustainability efforts amid growing environmental concerns.
The programme, set to commence in spring 2026, encourages widespread participation in tree planting to combat climate change and enhance biodiversity. As per the council’s official statement, the scheme builds directly on prior successes, fostering a greener Richmond.
What Is the 2026 Free Tree Giveaway?
The giveaway provides 1,000 trees free of charge to eligible participants across the Richmond borough. According to the council’s announcement, these trees target residents with gardens, schools seeking educational projects, and community organisations aiming to green public spaces.
The council emphasises that the effort forms part of a broader strategy to make the borough “greener and more sustainable.” Trees, it notes, play a vital role in improving air quality, supporting wildlife, and mitigating climate impacts.
Registration proves essential, available online or via telephone on a first-come, first-served basis. The council warns that stocks will deplete quickly, urging prompt action.
When and Where Can Residents Collect Trees?
Collection occurs at designated sites: Kneller Gardens in February 2026 and Old Deer Park in March 2026. These venues accommodate the spring rollout, aligning with optimal planting seasons.
The February start at Kneller Gardens caters to early registrants, while March at Old Deer Park extends access borough-wide. The council selected these locations for convenience and capacity to handle distributions.
No specific quantities per site were detailed, but the first-come, first-served rule applies universally. Residents must present registration confirmation upon collection.
Which Tree Varieties Are Available?
Several varieties feature in the giveaway, including yew, paper birch, and cherry plum. The council states these were “selected to suit local growing conditions while also providing habitats and food sources for wildlife.”
Yew offers evergreen density, ideal for year-round shelter. Paper birch provides striking bark and seasonal colour, supporting pollinators. Cherry plum yields early blossoms and fruits, attracting birds.
This diverse selection ensures adaptability to Richmond’s soils and climate, maximising survival rates. The council prioritised native and wildlife-friendly species in its choices.
How Can Residents Without Gardens Participate?
Even those lacking private space can contribute. The council highlights volunteering with Friends of Street Trees, accessible at https://www.friendsofstreettrees.org.uk/.
This group focuses on nurturing young street trees through watering and maintenance, crucial during warmer, drier spells. Volunteers help sustain council-planted trees, extending the giveaway’s impact.
A few weeks ago, the council hosted an awareness event featuring John Rose, founder of Friends of Street Trees. The session underscored the importance of post-planting care for establishment.
Why Is This Initiative Returning in 2026?
The programme revives following previous tree giveaways, responding to resident enthusiasm and environmental needs. The council aims to increase tree cover, addressing urban heat, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Trees “improve air quality, support local wildlife and help to reduce the effects of climate change,” per the council’s rationale. This aligns with UK-wide net-zero ambitions.
Sustainability underpins the effort, encouraging community ownership of green initiatives. Past events demonstrated high uptake, justifying the 1,000-tree allocation for 2026.
What Benefits Do Trees Bring to Richmond?
Tree planting yields multifaceted gains. Enhanced air quality filters pollutants, benefiting public health. Wildlife habitats expand, with fruits and shelter aiding species decline.
Climate resilience strengthens as trees sequester carbon and moderate temperatures. The council anticipates borough-wide tree cover growth, cooling streets and flood-proofing areas.
Local engagement fosters environmental stewardship, uniting residents in shared goals. Schools gain living classrooms, embedding sustainability education.
How Does This Fit Broader Council Efforts?
This giveaway integrates with ongoing greening projects. Previous iterations proved effective, prompting the 2026 renewal. The council positions it as a cornerstone of sustainability.
Partnerships, like with Friends of Street Trees, amplify reach. John Rose’s recent event exemplifies collaborative education.
The initiative counters urbanisation’s green loss, aligning with Richmond’s Tree Strategy. It invites all sectors—households, education, communities—to participate actively.
Who Is Behind the Announcement?
Richmond upon Thames Council spearheads the programme, managing logistics from registration to distribution. No individual spokesperson was named in the release, but the authority speaks collectively.
Friends of Street Trees, led by founder John Rose, supports via volunteering. Their website details involvement opportunities.
Residents, schools, and groups form the beneficiary base, with eligibility tied to borough address. The council ensures equitable access through multiple channels.
What Should Residents Do Next?
Act swiftly: register online or by phone. Monitor council updates for exact dates and links, forthcoming soon.
Prepare planting sites per variety guidelines, available upon registration. Those garden-less should explore Friends of Street Trees volunteering.
Stay informed via council channels. High demand means early birds secure choices.
