West Lothian residents can get a free fruit tree for their gardens through a project funded by West Lothian Climate Action Network (WLCAN). Hundreds of trees will be available for individuals and community groups, with planting scheduled for early 2027.
Scheme details and availability
People can choose from apple, pear, plum or cherry trees, with one tree per household or community group. One hundred trees are reserved for council tenants to ensure distribution across all nine council wards in West Lothian.
The project mirrors the popular A Fruit Tree for Every Garden scheme in Fife. WLCAN has already provided trees for community orchards in Fauldhouse, Livingston and other communities through its Eco Development Fund.
Planting and support
The trees will be a year old when ready for planting next February, and WLCAN will take expressions of interest from Friday. Trees will be available for pickup at community gardens, and each comes with a planting and care guide. Future training on care, including pruning, will also be provided.
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.”
How to register
The trees will be on semi-dwarfing rootstock, staying smaller and manageable, eventually reaching about three meters (9ft) in height. A registration form will be available on WLCAN’s website from Friday, 14 August. Council tenants should contact their tenant participation team to complete the form.
More information is available on the webpage now. WLCAN 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.
