In a new project, West Lothian residents have the chance to grab a free fruit tree for their gardens.
West Lothian Climate Action Network is funding hundreds of trees that will be available for people and community groups for planting early in 2027.
The project is aimed at encouraging families and individuals to help nature as well as grow their own fruit.
People can choose from apple, pear, plum or cherry – with one tree per household or community group. One hundred trees will be available for council tenants to ensure the trees are distributed across all nine council wards in West Lothian.
The project mirrors the popular A Fruit Tree for Every Garden scheme in Fife. West Lothian Climate Action has already provided trees to create community orchards in Fauldhouse, Livingston and other communities through its Eco Development Fund.
The trees will be a year old when they are ready for planting next February, but WLCAN will be taking expressions of interest from Friday. The trees will then be available for pick up at community gardens. Every tree will come with a planting and care guide, and WLCAN will also have future training on care including pruning.
A spokesperson for WLCAN said: “Growing a fruit tree is easy. Once it’s established it will only need maintenance a couple of times a year, and we will be on hand to provide support and advice.
“Growing your own fruit means fresh, seasonal food with zero food miles, right on your doorstep. A fruit tree will be a pretty addition to any garden when it comes into blossom and provide shade in summer as it comes into fruit. It’s also a great way for children to learn about growing and then they can cook with the results.
“Fruit trees lock away carbon, support bees and other pollinators, and provide shelter for wildlife for decades to come. Planting trees is one of the greatest things you can do to help nature, mitigate heavy rainfall and grow your own food.”
The trees being offered will be on semi-dwarfing rootstock, meaning they will stay smaller and manageable, eventually growing to a height of about three meters (9ft).
A form for registering interest will be available on WLCAN’s website from this Friday, 14 August. Council tenants should contact their tenant participation team to complete the form.
More information and answers to questions are on the webpage now. or if not linking as above it’s https://wlcan.scot/free-fruit-trees-are-coming-to-west-lothian/
West Lothian Climate Action Network is one of Scotland’s 24 regional climate hubs, funded by the Scottish Government to empower individuals and communities on issues including flooding, food supply, heating costs, improving natural spaces and greener transport solutions.
