A Tree for Life scheme in Babergh, which offers a free tree for new parents, is now open for 2020 applications allowing families to apply from home during the coronavirus outbreak.

Recognising that new parents may be feeling more isolated than usual, and looking for something to look forward to with their new arrival, Babergh has now opened their Tree for Life applications.

It is open to all families in the district who welcome a new arrival between 1 January and 31 December 2020, in addition to parents who may have lost a child during the same period to apply for a remembrance tree.

The initiative offers parents with a new born or newly adopted child the chance to mark their arrival by planting a tree.

It aims to benefit families, communities and the environment by boosting tree coverage across the district, with nearly 200 trees planted and dedicated to new borns in Babergh, including theShotley peninsula.

This year's relaunch follows a bumper 2019 scheme with more trees given away earlier in the year, ahead of the coronavirus outbreak.

Open to all including those without a garden, a selection of trees were also planted with families at key locations in the districts including, Shotley Golden Wood, Broom Hill in Hadleigh and Sproughton's Millennium Green.

In Babergh, where the Tree for Life scheme launched for the first time in November last year, there were 196 applicants.

According to the Office for National Statistics, that means around 30% of families with newborns in our districts applied for the scheme, but now the councils are encouraging even more people to claim their free tree this year.

Cllr Elisabeth Malvisi, Babergh District Council's cabinet member for environment, said:

"I would encourage as many people as possible to claim their free tree."

Families can apply for their tree on the councils' website with 2020 applications closing on 17 January 2021.

Any applications and queries received about the scheme will be processed and responded to later in the year.

The trees must be planted within the district and eligible applicants will be invited to choose and collect their tree at a tree giving event expected to be in early 2021.