FRIENDS of Fullarton planted 105 tree saplings at the Troon Allotments, donated from The Woodland Trust.

On Saturday, November 25, the tree saplings, native to Scotland, included Holly, Hazel and Willow and will allow the woodland to be repopulated following the loss of many trees due to age, illness, wind and waterlogging.

Over half a million native trees from the Alba nursery outside Edinburgh have been donated to schools and community groups throughout the UK in the Woodland Trust’s biggest ever distribution of saplings, with 54,330 being given in Scotland alone.

Crawford Young, of FoF, said: “The Troon Allotment Society have very generously given FoF a plot within their enclosed area allowing the small saplings to be protected and brought on for a year or two before they are planted out into the big, bad woodland.

“On December 16, the Troon Allotment Society will be once again hosting the Friends of Fullarton, this time it will be on a Christmas wreath making event that is free for all to attend.

“The materials will all be all natural and sourced from the woodland. This will be followed on December 17 by a bag packing event at Morrisons, Troon and all volunteers are welcome.”

The Trust’s Director of Woodland Outreach John Tucker, added: “The popularity of our free tree pack scheme is testament to how much the public love trees. We’ve never given out so many in such a short space of time.

“Schools and community groups, like Friends of Fullarton, obviously hold trees in great affection, valuing them for the many benefits they bring. People tell us they’re planting to encourage wildlife, to combat climate change, prevent flooding and improve health and wellbeing.

“It’s wonderful as trees and woods are under threat like never before, from pests, disease and development. We need more trees. We are one of the least wooded countries in Europe, so we’re thrilled our scheme is going from strength to strength.”

To keep up to date on the forthcoming events, to help with the work, and to see what has been achieved to date, please find us on Facebook or http://www.friendsoffullarton.co.uk/