Worthy causes from Taunton are being invited to put themselves forward to receive between 50 and 100 free young trees this month (January, 2014).

Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre near Taunton is offering schools, charities, village organisations and community groups, saplings for projects they are running. Andrew Pitman, Plant Manager at the award-winning, independent, family-run garden centre at Monkton Heathfield, explained: Our sapling giveaway is a yearly event that has proved extremely popular.

Any worthy causes that have missed out in the past are welcome to put themselves forward again this year to receive the saplings.

We have 2,014 saplings to give away and they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so people should submit their requests as soon as possible. Anyone who feels their school, charity or group is deserving of the free saplings should get in touch.

The garden centre will be giving away groups of between 50 and 100 small saplings, known as whips. The trees are indigenous British varieties. The closing date for requests is 5pm on Friday, February 28, 2014.

Requests from commercial bodies will not be considered. Andrew added: The saplings are perfect for planting together in groups as they make great hedging, but organisations are free to use them however they wish.

Worthy causes that apply for the trees must write in to Andrew at the garden centre giving details of their project and why they think they deserve to receive a group of saplings. The successful applicants will be invited to come and collect their trees from the garden centre at a mutually convenient time. By entering the competition, the winner or winners have agreed to take part in publicity.

Requests for the saplings should be posted to: Andrew Pitman, Plant Manager, Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, TA2 8QN. The closing date for requests is 5pm on Friday, February 28, 2014.

For more information, please call the garden centre, which is located just off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield between Bridgwater and Taunton, on 01823 412381