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’s reopened the Free Trees for Communities Scheme and has called on businesses and landowners across South Yorkshire to put forward ideas for large scale tree planting projects.
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
Announcing 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.
Free Trees for Communities
The Mayor’s Free Trees for Communities Scheme is once again taking orders. The scheme gives packs of trees to communities across South Yorkshire to support help us plant more trees, and to make the region cleaner, greener and better off.
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 has planted 19,500 trees.
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