YORK people are being offered the chance to make the city a leafier place with a new scheme to "Plant a Tree for 2003".

The project from City of York Council involves giving away hundreds of trees, all native to the UK, and suitable for large open spaces such as village greens, field corners, hedgerows, school fields and play areas.

It is aimed at local groups and organisations which wish to carry out planting to "green up" their local communities.

Every year the council plants hundreds of new or replacement trees across the city, but it says that even so many areas in York have a poor tree population.

The free tree scheme is being seen as a way of boosting the city's below-average tree cover.

Devised by the council's tree officer, Harvey Lowson, the Plant a Tree for 2003 scheme will be supported by volunteers from the York Tree Warden Group.

Planting will be done during the coming planting season - November, 2002 to March, 2003 - and local groups will be encouraged to plant specifically during National Tree Week, from November 20 to December 1.

The trees available, which will be 5ft to 6ft tall when supplied, are field maple, wild cherry, beech, oak and ash. The first trees for any group or individual meeting the criteria will be supplied free, but a voluntary donation of £5 for subsequent trees will be asked for to help the work of the Tree Warden Group.

Harvey said: "This is a great opportunity for local groups who are concerned about their environment to increase York's tree cover and enhance their own areas. The trees are there - the land is there, now all we need is committed volunteers to put the two together!"

Councillor Derek Smallwood, the council's executive member for the environment and planning, said: "Plant a Tree for 2003 is a great way for local groups to contribute to greening our city and I hope that the council ends up giving away loads of trees.

"I think this scheme will be a great success and is a wonderful opportunity for people to work in partnership with the council to improve their neighbourhood environments for free."

Any group wishing to take part should contact Harvey on York 01904 551316 or by email at harvey.lowson@york.gov.uk

Updated: 08:37 Thursday, August 29, 2002