Residents claim free fruit tree as part of tribute to 80th anniversary of VE Day

Harborough District Council gave away approximately 1,700 apple, cherry, pear and plum maiden trees to help promote environmental sustainability and improve community engagement across the district. Trees are proven to improve air quality, reduce urban heat and support local wildlife.

This initiative serves as a tribute to the 80th anniversary of VE Day, honouring the sacrifices made during World War II and celebrating peace and community spirit.

The council will be giving away more free fruit trees and details of trees available for collection are as follows:

• Friday 21 March: From 11am, 1,200 trees at Lutterworth Leisure Centre and 500 trees in Mitchell Grove, Scraptoft
• Thursday 3 April and Friday 4 April: 3,500 trees in total at Welland Park Market Harborough. Availability on Friday 4 April will be subject to remaining stock of trees.  

The council will confirm when the trees have been delivered and the time the trees will be ready for collection via their social media channels.

The trees are bare-rooted and need to be planted within 24 hours of collection.

One tree can be collected per person. No appointment is required.

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “I am so pleased to say that our first fruit tree giveaway was a success, and it was great to see so many residents lining up to collect their fruit trees. The council is providing these trees to encourage greener neighbourhoods across our district, support local food production and to continue the fight against climate change. This is a great opportunity for our residents to plant a lasting legacy of fruit for the future and participate in the important national commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day.”

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

Notes to editor:

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus