Hannah Worthington: 300 free trees for Torbay residents

The unseasonably warm weather doesn't quite fit the darker evenings heralded by the switch from British Summer Time.

The fact that some plants are still sporting summer blooms even at this late stage of the year seems to highlight the above-average temperatures we’re experiencing.

Most trees seem to be preparing for the winter months at least; their leaves changing from summer green to autumnal hues of orange, brown, gold, and red.

And with recent strong winds having helped many shed a good deal of their foliage already, the colourful treescapes of Torbay are increasingly punctuated by the grey-brown of bare branches.

Yet the beginning of the period of dormancy for deciduous trees also brings a busy time for those involved in tree care, as it marks the start of tree-planting season.

The Friends of St Mary’s Park in Brixham will be holding one of many tree events taking place across the UK as part of Tree Week which runs from November 26 to December 5.

The trees are UK broadleaf species and come with tree protection and aftercare guide. They are available on a first come, first served basis, with a maximum of five trees per household - please note, you must have the landowner’s permission to plant the trees.

SWISCo will be joining the Friends group on the day, to offer a ‘drop off’ for anyone who has grown trees at home but doesn’t have space to plant them.

Donated trees will go to our micro tree nurseries where with the help of Torbay’s Tree Wardens they’ll be planted out to grow on, before being transplanted to sites across the Bay when ready.

If you have trees that you would like to donate they can be of any species - as long as grown from locally sourced seed - but must be in a pot. We’re unable to return any pots, but will reuse/recycle where possible.

Look out for other Tree Week activities across Torbay.