Hertfordshire residents couldn't wait to sign up for the Field Maple, Hawthorn, Silver Birch, Hornbeam, Rowan and Wild Cherry trees up for grabs as part of the scheme – and a tree was claimed every 15 seconds while the scheme was open.

The County Council have now closed the scheme as all the trees available have been claimed.

The success comes as the new administration unveil plans to enable the planting of 101,000 trees across Hertfordshire this financial year, in partnership with the district and borough councils – that's 10,000 more than were planted last year. This pledge was announced as part of their 100 day plan to improve the environment and make Hertfordshire a greener place to live, and it's the first step towards their ambitions to boost tree planting in Hertfordshire in the coming years.

Tree planting in the county aims to provide a habitat for wildlife, improve air quality, and help the county reduce its overall carbon footprint.

Councillor Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport & Growth at Hertfordshire County Council said:

"Your Tree, Our Future is a critical scheme to deliver on our promise to plant 10,000 more trees this financial year than last. We're meeting that promise and we will enable 101,000 trees to be planted across the county this year. We're delighted that so many residents are engaging with the scheme to help improve their local environment, from improving air quality to enhancing the leafy look and feel of so much of our beautiful county. We're already delivering our promise to enable local residents and communities, alongside our partner Boroughs and Districts, to make our county a greener and better place to live."

All those who have claimed a tree will be sent an email later in the year to explain how and when to collect them. Trees will be available for collection on 6th December, with alternative opportunities on 9th and 10th December.