The East Derbyshire Woodland Project sees six councils and the Forestry Commission giving out 10,000 saplings and hedgerow plants.

Schools, parish councils, community groups and individuals are invited to make a claim and plant them.

The idea is to enhance conservation, improve the appearance of the site and benefit the public.

Building development

The �2,800 planting project, part-funded by the councils involved and the Forestry Commission, will be launched during National Tree Week, which runs from 24 November to 5 December.

Nationally, there is an 8% coverage of trees, but Derbyshire has just 7%.

Mineral extraction, agriculture and building development in the past 50 years are blamed for the low figure.

"Free trees will be available to groups and individuals to plant in areas where they will improve the environment and can be appreciated by residents and visitors," said councillor Bob Janes, from Derbyshire County Council.

"This scheme is an excellent way of increasing the amount of tree cover in our county to improve our environment and we hope lots of people will take advantage of the give-away."