Tree planting in South Oxfordshire
We want to see a vast increase in tree planting across the district, on both public and private land.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) produced through the burning of fossil fuels, waste, and other materials is the most prominent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Trees capture and store this gas when it enters the atmosphere and so are vital in helping us to tackle the climate emergency.
Beyond the many environmental advantages, trees also provide great health and wellbeing benefits for everyone in our community and provide wonderful scenery across our towns, villages and countryside.
As a district council, we will do all we can to support tree planting across South Oxfordshire and to encourage residents, community groups and businesses to get involved with tree planting projects. We also work to highlight the protection afforded our trees and woodlands to ensure they are around for future generations to enjoy.
How to get involved with tree planting
In the first instance, please speak with your local climate action group, town/parish council, employer or business park to see if there are projects happening locally that you can get involved with.
If you can’t find a project locally, please get in touch with Oxfordshire Treescapes Project, Wild Oxfordshire or The Woodland Trust for advice on how you can start your own project.
If you have a garden, remember you can also plant trees there too, but just be mindful of any impact they may have on neighbouring properties as they grow.
Do you have an idea for a tree planting project?
1. Identify the land where you would like to plant trees. Find out who owns it and if that land is available and suitable for tree planting and arrange an agreement with the landowner.
2. When you will plant the trees ( the tree planting season is from October to March)
3. How many trees and which species – and find local suppliers of young trees, and the stakes, ties and tree protection that you may need – visit The Woodland Trust website for information about their offer of free trees for communities.
4. Agree who will be planting the trees and responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all volunteers carrying out the work
5. Agree who will be responsible for maintaining the trees and the area immediately around them for the next few years to ensure they are safe and will grow well
Please also see our Guide to Planting Trees for Community Groups.
For details about potential funding which could help community groups with tree planting projects, please see our information about council grants.
Do you want to plant trees on council land?
If you are planning a tree planting project, or are just interested in finding out more about tree planting in southern Oxfordshire, take a look at our new policy on nature recovery projects on council land. This outlines how we will protect, plant and manage trees on the land we own, and how we will support you with your own tree planting initiatives.
If you would like to plant a tree on council land, please see our new webpage called using council land for nature recovery projects (which includes tree planting as well as other measures such as wildflower meadows). You can find details of the process and the application form there.
Contact us - Climate and Biodiversity Team
South Oxfordshire District Council
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE
