Hundreds of free fruit trees are coming to West Lothian, and locals are being invited to get their hands on one before they are all gone.
West Lothian Climate Action Network is behind the initiative, which will see trees made available to both individual residents and community groups ahead of a planting window in early 2027. The project is part of a broader push to get more greenery into the area while giving people a practical, lasting way to take part in climate action close to home.
The scheme is straightforward enough. The network is funding the trees directly, meaning there is no cost to anyone who wants to take part. Whether you have a back garden with a spare corner or you are part of a local group looking to green up a shared space, the project is designed to be as accessible as possible.
Fruit trees are a popular choice for this kind of community planting effort for good reason. They do more than just look nice. A well-placed apple, pear or plum tree can provide food, support local wildlife, improve air quality and help manage rainwater. Over time, even a modest collection of fruit trees in a neighbourhood can make a genuine difference to biodiversity.
West Lothian has seen a growing number of grassroots climate initiatives in recent years, with local groups increasingly taking matters into their own hands rather than waiting for top-down solutions. The Climate Action Network has been one of the more active organisations in that space, running projects that try to connect environmental goals with everyday life for ordinary residents.
This latest tree giveaway fits neatly into that approach. Rather than abstract targets or distant promises, it puts something tangible in people’s hands, quite literally, and asks them to play a direct role in shaping their local environment.
The 2027 planting timeline gives plenty of lead-in time for people to think about where a tree might go and what variety would suit their space best. Community groups in particular may want to start identifying suitable sites now, as larger-scale planting efforts often require a bit of groundwork before the trees go in.
Anyone interested in securing a free tree through the project is encouraged to get in touch with West Lothian Climate Action Network to find out more about how to register interest and what options will be available.