The Labour-run Cambridge City Council is giving away free trees to residents on the Whitehill estate in Abbey to plant in their gardens.

The Whitehill estate is the first area in Cambridge where trees, including fruit and pollinating species, are being offered to residents to help increase the canopy cover.

The council’s initiative, the Neighbourhood Canopy Campaign, aims to tackle the inequality in tree cover across the city. This is part of the Cambridge Canopy Project.

The first 500 eligible households to register will receive a single tree or shrub of their choosing, subject to availability.

Residents must have a campaign leaflet to apply. Leaflets have been distributed to households on the estate.

Examples of the tree species available to residents include Butterfly Bush, Cooking Apple, Edible Plum, Edible Pear, Field Maple and many more.

Increasing tree cover brings important benefits like increased shade, improving biodiversity and air quality, and helping to tackle climate change.

Cllr Richard Johson Labour City Councillor for Abbey, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for residents of the Whitehill estate to have a free new fruit or pollinator tree for the garden and help to increase tree canopy cover in Abbey. If you want to get involved, make sure to claim your tree!”

Cllr Nicky Massey, Labour City Councillor for Abbey, said: “Planting more trees is crucial for improving air quality, boosting biodiversity, and tackling climate change, and brings real health benefits and enjoyment to our everyday lives. It’s great to see the Labour-run City Council giving away trees to residents on the Whitehill estate. Don’t miss out!”