27th January 2012

SOUTH SOMERSET: Free saplings offer to local organisations

WORTHY causes from Chard Crewkerne and Ilminster are once again being invited to contact Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre at Monkton Heathfield, near Taunton, which is offering between 50 and 100 saplings to schools, charities, village organisations and community groups that would like them.

Andrew Pitman, plant manager at the family-run garden centre, explained: “To tie in with the start of the New Year and our 30th anniversary, we’ve got 2,012 small sapling trees to give to any worthy causes that would like them for projects they are running this year.

“We operated similar schemes in 2010 and 2011 that were incredibly successful, so once again we’re inviting anyone who feels that their school, charity or group is deserving of the saplings to get in touch.

“We do have a limited number of trees and are allocating them on a first come, first served basis so we urge people to submit their requests as soon as possible. The closing date for requests is 5pm on Friday, February 24th.”

The garden centre will be giving away groups of between 50 and 100 small saplings, known as whips. The trees are indigenous British varieties.

Mr Pitman added: “As the saplings are fairly small they are ideal for areas and projects where they can be planted together in groups of around 50 or 100. They would be perfect for hedging or creating small woodland areas.”

Worthy causes that apply for the trees must write in to Andrew at the garden centre giving details of their project and why they think they deserve to receive a group of saplings.

Andrew continued: “We want to help not-for-profit organisations and worthy causes add a little bit of green to their lives. Requests from commercial bodies will not be considered.

“This is a great opportunity for communities all over Somerset to be presented with some free trees so we hope as many people as possible submit requests.”

The successful applicants will be invited to come and collect their trees from the garden centre at a mutually convenient time. By entering the competition, the winner or winners have agreed to take part in publicity.

Requests for the saplings should be posted to: Andrew Pitman, Plant Manager, Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, TA2 8QN.