Hitchin residents are being encouraged to help make the town greener by signing up for this year's 'Your Tree Our Future' scheme, which is offering a record 100,000 free trees across Hertfordshire.

The annual initiative, delivered by Hertfordshire County Council in partnership with the county's 10 district and borough councils and several local charities, gives residents the chance to plant trees at home to boost biodiversity, improve air quality and help tackle climate change.

For 2026, at least 100,000 free trees will be available – the highest number since the scheme began. One of the initiative's key supporters, Herts FullStop, has donated 5,000 trees towards this year's giveaway.

Residents can apply for up to five individual trees, choosing from eight native species suited to Hertfordshire's landscape and climate. Alternatively, applicants can opt for four trees and a hedgerow pack containing enough plants to create six metres of hedgerow, providing valuable habitat for wildlife.

Trees will be allocated while stocks last, with a set number available for each district and borough, including North Hertfordshire.

Councillor Paul Zukowskyj, Hertfordshire County Council's Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth, said: "Planting a tree is one of the simplest yet most meaningful actions residents can take to support our environment. Not only do trees help reduce carbon in our atmosphere, but they also create greener, healthier places to live – boosting wellbeing, supporting wildlife, and helping our communities adapt to the challenges of climate change.

"This scheme is a key part of our wider ambition to make Hertfordshire more sustainable.

"After taking on leadership of Hertfordshire County Council last year, we set an ambitious overall planting target of 101,000 trees – and through 'Your Tree Our Future' and other initiatives, we've beaten it by more than 25%, planting a total number of 126,829 trees across the county. Now, we're going even further, with a new, more ambitious target this year of 150,000."

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North Herts Council is once again taking part in the countywide initiative and will have 5,000 trees available for local residents.

Sarah Kingsley, Director for Environment at North Herts Council, said: "We're delighted to be partnering with neighbouring authorities and Hertfordshire County Council on the Your Tree Our Future initiative. We have 5,000 trees to give away and hope residents take advantage of the scheme to help create a greener North Herts."

Successful applicants will receive an email confirming their allocation, along with details of how and where to collect their trees from a local distribution point in early December.

Residents wishing to apply can do so via the Hertfordshire County Council website.