Oxfordshire residents are once again being invited to plant for the planet this autumn, as the International Tree Foundation (ITF) and CAG Oxfordshire relaunch their popular Garden Tree Giveaway, offering households the chance to collect and plant free native trees in their own gardens.
Since launching in 2022, the scheme has distributed more than 8,000 free trees across the county, helping residents boost biodiversity, create new wildlife habitats, and take practical climate action close to home.
A Greener Future, One Garden at a Time
The UK is among the most nature-depleted countries in Europe, and urban gardens are increasingly recognised as vital green corridors for wildlife. The Garden Tree Giveaway, now entering its fourth year, helps Oxfordshire residents transform their outdoor spaces into miniature habitats that support pollinators, birds, and small mammals.
Lucy Staveley, ITF’s UK Programme Development Lead, said:
“Native trees provide critical habitat and food sources for local wildlife, enhance garden ecosystems and help protect against air pollution and climate change. The Garden Tree Giveaway helps people take climate action into their own hands and make a real difference in their own back gardens.”
How the Garden Tree Giveaway Works
Applications for the 2025 giveaway open in October 2025 via the ITF website.
Each Oxfordshire household can apply for up to two free trees, choosing from six native species suited to small and medium-sized gardens.
How to take part:
- Apply: Complete the online form in October and choose your preferred tree species and one of 30 collection points across Oxfordshire.
- Hear back: Successful applicants will be notified in early November with full collection details.
- Collect: Pick up your trees between Thursday 27 and Sunday 30 November, during National Tree Week.
- Plant: Each recipient receives ITF’s Garden Tree Guide, with step-by-step planting and care tips to ensure success.
The trees are supplied as bare-root whips up to 90cm tall, responsibly sourced from UK nurseries and ready to plant immediately.
2025 Tree Species and Their Benefits
All trees species are native to the UK environment, carefully selected for wildlife value, local soil, seasonal interest, and suitability for smaller gardens.
| Tree species | Details |
| Spindle | Bright pink autumn fruits and vivid foliage attract birds and pollinators. |
| Wayfaring tree | Early white blossom supports insects; berries feed thrushes and blackbirds. |
| Guelder rose | Elegant white flowers and red berries; excellent for hedgerows and nesting birds. |
| Crab apple | Blossom supports bees; fruit feeds wildlife and can be used for jams and cider. |
| Rowan (mountain ash) | Supports over 60 insect species; berries are a winter food source for birds. |
| Hazel | Early catkins feed pollinators; nuts provide food for jays, squirrels, and dormice. |
“We want to make tree planting accessible to everyone, even those with small gardens,” Lucy added. “Each species has been chosen for its ability to thrive locally and bring wildlife benefits all year round.”
Rooted in Community
The scheme is delivered through a network of 30 volunteer-run collection points across the county, supported by CAG Oxfordshire’s community groups. Volunteers handle distribution and provide advice to new tree planters.
“This initiative is about more than trees, it’s about bringing communities together to take simple, positive steps for our planet,” said Lucy.
“The Garden Tree Giveaway wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers, whose enthusiasm keeps the project growing year after year.”
Small Trees, Big Impact
Each year’s planting of saplings adds up. Since 2022, Oxfordshire’s Garden Tree Giveaway has already helped create dozens of mini woodlands and wildlife corridors, contributing to the county’s goal of increasing tree canopy cover by 20% by 2050.
Garden trees:
- Improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.
- Provide shade and cooling in urban areas.
- Support pollinators, birds and invertebrates.
- Encourage people to reconnect with nature at home.
“Thanks to this scheme, garden trees are creating more homes for wildlife, more shade, cleaner air and that feel-good factor we all get out in nature,” said Lucy.
What to Do if You Miss Out
The 2025 giveaway closes once all trees are requested. If you miss out, you can:
- Sign up to ITF’s newsletter for updates on the next giveaway.
- Apply for a UK Tree Planting Grant for larger community or school projects.
- Volunteer with CAG Oxfordshire to support local collection hubs.
Key Dates for the 2025 Giveaway
- Applications open: October 2025
- Notifications: Early November 2025
- Collections: Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 November (National Tree Week)
- Apply at: internationaltreefoundation.org/garden-tree-giveaway
Garden Tree Giveaway By the Numbers
- 8,000+ trees already given away since 2022
- 7,000 trees planned for 2025
- 6 native species to choose from
- 30 collection hubs across Oxfordshire
- 1,000+ volunteers and local households involved since launch
