Why trees matter

Trees are one of our most valuable natural assets. They support biodiversity, absorb carbon, reduce flood risk and create greener, healthier places for people to live and work.

As part of our Biodiversity Action Plan, we deliver an annual tree planting programme and work with local organisations, farmers and communities to increase tree cover across Warwick District.

Caring for young trees

If you’ve noticed green bags around the base of newly planted trees, these are watering bags.

Each bag holds around 50 litres of water and releases it slowly into the soil, helping water reach the roots where it’s needed most. Young trees are especially vulnerable during hot, dry weather and need regular watering in their first few years to establish strong roots.

You can help

If you see a tree with a watering bag near your home or on your regular walk, please consider topping it up during warm, dry spells. Simply lift the flap at the top and pour in water. Every little bit helps.

2025/26 tree planting update

During winter 2025/26, we supported the planting of over 16,000 trees across the district through council-led projects and partnership initiatives.

Tree planting infographic highlighting the Council's tree planting successes

  • 8,991 trees for farmers
  • 1325 metres of new or repaired hedgerows
  • 632 metres of hedgerow laid
  • 8 community orchards created
  • 57 fruit trees planted
  • 3 hedgerow trees planted
  • 3 rare black poplar trees planted
  • 59 larger trees planted in council-owned housing estates
  • £50,000+ funding and donations received

Where we plant

Parks, open spaces and nature reserves

Each year we plant a mix of larger standard trees and smaller saplings in our parks, open spaces and nature reserves to create new woodland and hedgerows and replace trees lost to disease or removed for safety reasons. This helps strengthen habitat networks and enhance green spaces across the district.

Council-owned housing estates

Larger standard trees are planted across council-owned housing estates to:

  • Provide shade
  • Improve air quality
  • Support wildlife
  • Enhance local neighbourhoods

Planting this year took place in areas around The Packmores, Woodloes Park, Lillington, Kenilworth and Stoneleigh.

New community orchards

Eight new community orchards were planted this year by Warwickshire County Council, funded through the Coronation Living Heritage Fund.

Sites included Onslow Croft and Kingsway in Leamington Spa, Wellesbourne Road in Barford, The Holt in Lillington, and locations in Milverton.

The orchards include apple, plum, pear, damson and cherry trees, featuring local varieties such as the Warwickshire Drooper. They increase opportunities for local food growing while supporting pollinators and other wildlife.

Rare and priority tree species

Three rare black poplar trees - one of Britain’s rarest native trees and a priority species in our Biodiversity Action Plan and Warwickshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy - were planted this year near the River Leam in the Leam Valley.

Black poplars grow well in damp ground near rivers and wetlands and provide valuable habitat for wildlife. Native black poplars have become very rare in the UK due to the loss of floodplain habitats and cross-breeding with other poplar species. Planting new trees helps to protect and restore this important native species.

Hedgerow trees

Three larger standard trees were planted alongside the hedgerow on Harbury Lane to help strengthen this important wildlife corridor.

The species planted include field maple and wild pear, helping to diversify the hedgerow and complement an established ash tree already growing there. Ash trees are highly vulnerable to Ash dieback, which is affecting trees across the UK. By planting additional species now, we can help to ensure future tree cover and maintain habitat connectivity if the ash tree is lost to disease.  

Hedgerow trees play an important role in supporting wildlife by:

  • Providing nesting and roosting sites for birds and bats
  • Producing blossom and fruit for pollinators and other wildlife
  • Acting as "stepping stones" that help species move between habitats 

Working in partnership

Alongside planting on council-owned land, we work with partners to support tree and hedgerow planting across farms, schools and community spaces.

Free Trees for Farmers Scheme

Delivered in partnership with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, this scheme supports farmers in Warwick District to plant trees and hedgerows that:

  • Support wildlife
  • Reduce flood risk
  • Improve soil health
  • Provide shade for livestock
  • Strengthen natural boundaries

Farmers can apply for anything from a small tree pack to several hundred trees. Packs include hedgerow, riparian, woodland and fruit tree options, designed to maximise biodiversity and suit local habitats.

In 2025/26:

  • 24 farmers took part
  • 8,991 trees were planted

Warwick District Council was proud to fund the scheme for a fourth consecutive year and hope to support it again in 2026/27. 

Wilder Communities – Tree and Hedgerow Planting and Wildflower Sowing

Also delivered in partnership with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, this scheme supports schools, community groups and landowners in creating greener spaces through tree planting, hedgerows and wildflower areas.

Participants receive help designing appropriate schemes, along with practical planting support.

Eligible sites include:

  • Schools and nurseries
  • Churchyards and cemeteries
  • Playing fields and recreation grounds
  • Parks and shared green spaces
  • Village greens and verges
  • Community centres and halls
  • Allotments
  • Social housing green spaces

In 2025/26, the scheme supported the planting of approximately:

  • 4,000 trees
  • 1,000 metres of hedgerow

Many projects involved school children and local volunteers.

To find out more or express interest, please contact Olivia.williams@wkwt.org.uk

Other funding opportunities

In addition to council-supported schemes, external funding is available:

 

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