About the Client

Westmorland and Furness Council (WFC) is the unitary authority for the Barrow-in-Furness, Eden, and South Lakeland localities, making it the third largest unitary authority in England and Wales by land area and home to approximately 225,000 residents. As an ‘ecologically aware’ council, WFC has ambitious climate and nature goals, set out in its Climate Action Plan and Nature Strategy, including a commitment to achieving net zero by 2037 and acting as the Responsible Authority for the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Integrating climate and nature action is central to the Council’s approach. The One Tree per Resident project is a flagship initiative, through which the Council aims to ensure the planting of a quarter of a million trees across Westmorland and Furness, supporting communities to plant one tree, or one metre of hedgerow equivalent, for every resident.

Project Overview

During the tree planting season of 2025/26, the Council launched the Free Trees for Residents Scheme – a key strand of the One Tree per Resident project. More than 58,000 free saplings were provided by Alba Trees and were distributed to the local community across Westmorland and Furness.
Five community collection events were held across Kendal, Penrith, Appleby, Windermere, and Barrow over two weekends in January and February. The scheme proved hugely popular, attracting over 2,000 applications from schools, landowners, community groups, town and parish councils, and local residents.
The scheme was designed to be inclusive and accessible, whether a renter planting a single tree in a pot or a landowner creating wildlife corridors. The saplings are destined for inspiring projects across the area – from creating havens for birds and wildlife to forming cosy hedgehog corridors and restoring pockets of ancient woodland. Each project representing a meaningful contribution to nature recovery.

Testimonial

The saplings supplied for Alba Trees were instrumental to the success of the scheme. Feedback from the Council highlighted:

• Reliable and adaptable service – Alba Trees were able to double our order after the number applications exceeded expectations.
• High-quality, cell-grown saplings – strong, healthy plants with intact roots, well suited to the Cumbrian climate.
• Responsive communication – clear, supportive advice provided throughout, contributing to smooth delivery and logistics.

About the Client

Buccleuch is one of Scotland’s largest and best known rural enterprises, managing land, farming, forestry, conservation, property, energy and community projects across multiple estates.

Their forestry activity prioritises high quality woodland creation and sustainable management, with a focus on planting schemes that support biodiversity, deliver long term environmental value and respond to the changing climate.

Project Overview

Planting Across Challenging Conditions

Ground preparation began in April, with the first tree delivery arriving on 14 April. Weekly deliveries continued until the end of June, ensuring a steady flow of stock to match planting progress.

Planting paused briefly during May when unseasonably warm temperatures made conditions unsuitable. Work resumed once temperatures stabilised, with one delivery per month during July, August and September.

Why This Project Was Complex

The project involved large conifer blocks, more intricate native broadleaf planting areas, varying terrain and a long, weather dependent planting window. Flexibility, stock resilience and closely managed logistics were essential.

How Alba Trees Helped

Cell-Grown Stock That Enabled Summer Planting

A key reason the project succeeded was the use of Alba’s cell grown trees. These arrived well watered, robust and well rooted, consistent in size and quality and ready to plant immediately.

This meant planting teams could continue working safely and effectively through the summer months, even in warmer periods.

Responsive Ordering and Adaptable Delivery

Alba Trees supported Buccleuch with fast processing of orders, flexibility to adjust quantities depending on progress on the ground and reliable delivery schedules that matched shifting weather windows.

Supporting Successful On-Site Handling

Summer planting requires careful management. Buccleuch found Alba stock allowed teams to lay out trees for only short periods, store stock for up to a week when needed and keep trees well watered and shaded to prevent desiccation.

Outcomes and Impact

Strong Establishment

The site has established very successfully, with low replacement percentages, strong early growth and healthy, evenly developing woodland blocks.

Resilient, Able-to-Plant Stock

The ability to continue planting through the summer reduced delays and helped maintain project momentum.

Efficient Use of Planting Teams

The mix of conifer and native broadleaf areas meant teams could prioritise different parts of the site depending on weather conditions, supported by Alba’s consistent stock supply.

Testimonial

“By using Alba container-grown stock, we were able to keep planting through the summer. Trees arrived well watered, well sized and of excellent quality, which supported successful establishment. Orders were processed quickly and adjusted when needed, and the establishment of the site has been very successful with low replacements and good growth rates.”

If you are planning a flexible, high quality planting programme, our team can support you from planning to delivery. Contact Alba Trees to discuss your project.

About the Client

Rushcliffe Borough Council is the local authority for the Rushcliffe district in Nottinghamshire, serving more than 120,000 residents. The council is known for environmental leadership, with strong commitments to tree planting, habitat creation and biodiversity.

The Ecology and Biodiversity Team leads on community-based projects and works closely with volunteer groups, Parish and Town Councils and the borough’s network of Tree Wardens.

Project Overview

Rushcliffe Borough Council launched the Residents’ Free Tree Scheme in 2018 as part of its work to tackle the biodiversity and climate crisis. More than 14,000 free trees have been distributed to households since the scheme began.

In 2024, 1,000 native saplings were made available to residents. These species were chosen for their value to wildlife and their suitability for typical garden settings.

The scheme helps residents enhance their gardens, support wildlife and take climate action at home. Planting trees also improves wellbeing, encourages time outdoors and strengthens community participation.

How Alba Trees Helped

Alba Trees provided a smooth and reliable service throughout the project. This included:

• clear and responsive communication
• high-quality trees well-suited to local soil and climate
• recyclable packaging designed to fit through letterboxes
• delivery timed to coincide with National Tree Week
• advice and support whenever required

The quality of the saplings gave the council confidence that the trees would establish well and deliver long-term benefits for the borough.

Outcomes and Impact

Social Impact:

• 1,000 residents received free trees
• Strengthened local wildlife habitats
• Increased community participation in planting
• Improved wellbeing through outdoor activity

Environmental Impact:

• supports increased tree cover
• enhances biodiversity
• contributes to Nottinghamshire’s Biodiversity Action Plan

The council plans to expand the scheme to include native shrubs so that residents with limited outdoor space can also take part.

Testimonial

“Alba Trees’ professionalism and product quality have been key to the success of this initiative, and we look forward to continuing this.”

If you are planning a community planting scheme, our team can help you source high-quality native trees tailored to your location.