East Sussex schools will benefit from free Elm trees. The colleges and schools selected for this free Elm trees sapling includes those from Heathfield, Uckfield, Newick, Seaford, Broad Oak, Hastings and Lewes. These free Elm trees saplings are for the grounds of the schools and colleges. County Council and Conservation Foundation have joined hands to offer the free elm trees. This initiative aims at encouraging spread of Elm trees in the area. Dutch elm disease has been consuming elms for the past 40 years. The only way to prevent the disease is to cut and burin the diseased trees.The council has burnt infected limbs from over 900 diseased trees, this year.
By giving away the free Elm samples, they aim at encouraging the spread of the trees in the area. They could also find examples of elm trees that are disease-resistant. Mature trees that have resisted the Dutch elm disease are used for taking the saplings. Schools, colleges and community groups have been asked by Conservation Foundation’s Great British Elm Experiment to plant and study the growth of the trees. Saplings come in the size of 35cm and 90cm and until they are 10-15 years old they are not affected by the disease.
By offering free elm trees, schools and colleges take part in spreading Elm trees in the area.
