RESIDENTS in Exminster made the most of a tree giveaway last weekend and helped do their bit for climate change.

Led by Devon Wildlife Trust, the Saving Devon’s Treescapes project was giving away free saplings for people to grow in their own gardens and Exminster had been chosen as a hub to distribute the trees either for planting in gardens or hedges.

Volunteers from Exminster Green Spaces were on hand to provide advice and guidance at the Tree-mendous Giveaway which took place at the town’s Deepway Centre.

‘The event went really well with all the trees being taken and hopefully when planted those saplings will be part of Devon’s future,’ said Jeremy Pyne from Exminster Green Spaces.

‘Oaks can grow up to 900 years so that’s a real legacy and while the smaller fruit trees might just be a life time it’s still a great thing to leave behind.’

The trees being given away included two to three-year-old native UK broadleaf species such as and include crab apple, wild cherry, rowan and birch.

Devon’s treescapes are crucial habitats for wildlife and are under threat from Ash Dieback which is estimated to kill at least 90 per cent of Devon’s ash trees in the coming years.