The Mayor’s Million Trees
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard is on a tree planting mission. He aims to plant 1.4 million trees across the region. He has called on businesses and landowners across South Yorkshire to put forward ideas for large scale tree planting projects and individuals to register their own tree planting to count towards the target.
He’s also led the planting of 17 trees to celebrate South Yorkshire’s Olympic and Paralympic success in Paris 2024, at the Olympic Legacy Park.
The 17 trees mark the 17 medals won in Paris by our Olympians and Paralympians . These include fruit trees that will be nurtured and harvested by the neighbouring Oasis Academy school and are planted along the site of a junior parkrun route in the park.
Trees are not just a great way to take carbon out of our atmosphere and fight climate change, they also help to protect against flooding, promote biodiversity, and improve wellbeing.
A Tree For Everyone
When he announced the reopening of the Free Trees for Communities scheme, Oliver Coppard said: “I’ve made no secret of the fact that I want to plant 1.4 million trees, one for every person who lives in South Yorkshire. Trees enrich our lives, sustain our communities and provide countless environmental benefits. That’s why I’m so proud to be planting these 17 trees to recognise the achievements of our South Yorkshire Olympic and Paralympic athletes at Paris this year. I know they’ll inspire our young aspiring athletes to stay near and go far."
The trees will have plaques showing the athlete, sport and medal won. These are designed by local engravers using South Yorkshire steel.
The Mayor intends to harness the skills, enthusiasm and pride of the people, businesses, community groups, schools and landowners in South Yorkshire.
A Tree For Everyone Grant Fund
South Yorkshire’s Mayor has opened a new Grant Fund to support his ambition to plant 1.4 million trees across South Yorkshire.
A Tree For Everyone Grant Fund is for people in South Yorkshire who would like to plant trees here, on land where planting rights are secured, and where the trees will provide a public benefit and enhance environmental sustainability. In contrast to the Free Trees for Communities scheme which is only open to community groups and provides packs of 50 trees, the Grant Fund is open to everyone in South Yorkshire, and can offer a more flexible number of trees, as well as equipment or professional support, provided applicants meet the criteria.
A total of £50,000 has been allocated for this fund. Grants will be awarded in amounts of between £250 to £2,500.
Click the link below to find out more and how to apply.
Free Trees for Communities
The Mayor’s Free Trees for Communities Scheme has now allocated all the trees for this planting season ( October 2024 – March 2025). The scheme gives packs of trees to communities across South Yorkshire to help us plant more trees, and to make the region cleaner, greener and better off.
We are gathering expressions of interest for trees to be allocated for communities in the next planting season starting in October 2025.
The first trees were planted in November 2023 at Kiveton Park Community Orchard, to mark the start of the scheme and National Tree Week. So far this scheme will have planted 40,000 trees by March 2025.
Make Your Trees Count
Individuals and businesses can now register the trees they plant to count towards the Mayor’s target of 1.4 million. It only takes a few minutes to complete the form.
Are you a business or a landowner who wants to help the Mayor plant 1.4. million trees?
South Yorkshire’s Mayor has called on businesses and landowners across South Yorkshire to put forward ideas for large scale tree planting projects. If you want to find out more, please fill in the form below to find out how you can get on board.
SYMCA is also part of the South Yorkshire Woodland Partnership, who provide free woodland creation help to landowners in South Yorkshire. Find out more information on SYWP here.
Where are trees needed?
Can you help plant 1.4 million trees?
How can you help – Community group, Land owner, Sponsorship, just interested?
Important Information
By submitting this form, you are consenting to SYMCA collecting and storing your personal data and contacting you in relation to the Mayor’s Free Trees for Communities scheme. Your information will be used to inform the development of a Tree for Everyone campaign. We are committed to protecting your privacy. For more details, please refer to our privacy notice. Participation in a Tree for Everyone campaign is entirely voluntary and you may withdraw your consent at any time. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact communications@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk