Tree Sponsorship

Would you like to dedicate a native tree in a stunning coastal location while helping to support biodiversity in Cliftonville?

We’re inviting individuals, families, and organisations to sponsor a native tree around the perimeter of The Oval Lawns on Eastern Esplanade and First Avenue. This new tree sponsorship project will help enhance the local environment, provide vital habitat for wildlife, and contribute to our wider Nature Recovery Plan.

As with our popular rose sponsorship scheme, you can choose to dedicate a tree in memory of a loved one, mark a special occasion, or simply show your support for a greener Cliftonville.

How You Can Contribute

There are two ways to donate or sponsor a tree for our community project:

1. Let Us Purchase the Tree for You – We’ll source the tree at cost price. You can sponsor the tree by covering this cost, and we’ll take care of planting it for you.

2. Buy Your Own Tree and Drop It Off – If you’d prefer to purchase your own tree, you can buy it and deliver it to The Oval in person. Please note:

• We can only accept species listed below.

• The tree must be at least 2 to 3 metres in height, with a trunk girth of 6 to 8 cm.

Please note that all sponsors must contribute towards the cost of the tree support system and protective mesh guard, which will be supplied and installed by The Oval. These items are standardised to ensure consistency and cannot be provided by the sponsor.

If in doubt, please check with us before purchasing your tree to ensure it meets the project’s requirements.

Our gardening team will plant your donated tree in a designated bed for you, or assist you in planting it yourself.

Bare Root vs Container-Grown Trees – What’s the Difference?

Most of the tree species listed below are available as either bare root (lifted and sold without soil in the dormant season) or container-grown (grown in pots and available year-round). Here’s what to consider:

• Bare root trees are available from November to March only and must be planted while dormant. They are more affordable and establish quickly but require careful timing.

• Container-grown trees (also called pot-grown) are available and plantable year-round, though they are more expensive. They are ideal for planting outside the winter season and easier to handle on-site.

For this project, we can work with either type, as long as the size and species meet our criteria.

We’ll advise you on the most suitable option depending on the time of year and tree availability.

Tree Species Available for Sponsorship

Due to The Oval’s exposed coastal position, we’ve carefully selected native species that are resilient to wind and salt air. All are valuable for wildlife and bring seasonal beauty:

• Field Maple (Acer campestre) – Mature Height is 10–15m, wind- and drought-tolerant, excellent autumn colour. Supports pollinators and aphids, which in turn feed birds.

• Rowan / Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia) – Mature height is 8–15m, hardy in coastal conditions. Attractive berries for birds and upright habit.

• Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris) – Mature height is 8–10m, spring blossom supports bees; small apples feed birds and mammals.

• Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) – Mature height is up to 15m (cultivar-dependent), beautiful spring blossom, excellent for pollinators and birds.

• Silver Birch (Betula pendula) – Mature height is 12–15m, light canopy, improves soil, and supports a wide range of invertebrates.

What Does Sponsorship Include?

Each tree will be planted in a carefully chosen location and maintained as part of our year-round ecology programme. While we do not charge for planting or installation, sponsors are kindly asked to cover the following:

• Tree support system – approx. £30

• Protective mesh guard – approx. £40

• (Optional) dedication plaque – approx. £100

• The cost of the tree (if we are sourcing it for you) – cost will vary depending on the species and whether it is bare root or container-grown, but you can expect to pay at least £100

Even if you supply your own tree, the contribution towards the support system (tree stakes) and mesh guard is still required, as these are supplied and installed by The Oval to meet uniform site specifications.

We will help you choose and source a high-quality specimen of your preferred species and confirm the planting date with you directly.

Who Can Dedicate or Sponsor a Tree?

Whether you’re an individual, local group, or business, you can dedicate or sponsor a tree as part of this exciting community project:

• Individuals: Dedicate a tree in memory of a loved one, to mark a special occasion, or to support the local environment.

• Local Groups: Celebrate your community’s contribution to a greener Cliftonville.

• Businesses: Show your support for sustainability and be recognised for helping the community thrive.

Dedications and sponsorships can include a small 125mm x 50mm plaque installed in the soil at the base of the tree. This can include a personal message or your group/business name or logo.

The Tree Locations

Our tree planting plan has been thoughtfully designed to enhance both the visual and ecological value of The Oval. Trees will be planted in existing and new flowerbeds along the Eastern Esplanade and First Avenue:

• Three trees will be located in each of the two raised flowerbeds on Eastern Esplanade.

• One tree will serve as a centrepiece in each of the mixed flowerbeds along both Eastern Esplanade and First Avenue.

• Existing Cordyline Australis ‘Cabbage Palm’ trees (though non-native and less ecologically beneficial) will remain in place, and new native trees will be planted in beds currently without trees.

Beds will be dressed with decorative bark mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture, and bordered with white-painted posts and stainless steel chains for subtle elegance and protection.

This carefully planned combination of trees, planting, and boundary enhancements will create a thriving, low-maintenance and wildlife-friendly space for everyone to enjoy.

Important Information About the Trees

The tree you sponsor or donate is a living plant, and while we will do our utmost to help it thrive, we cannot guarantee its long-term survival. Trees are susceptible to weather, pests, and disease, and we cannot be held responsible if your tree fails despite our best efforts.

If you’d like to help care for your tree, we’d love for you to get involved. Please let us know, and we’ll include you in our gardening activities.

All sponsored or donated trees are for the enjoyment of the community as part of The Oval’s gardens. Once planted, each tree becomes the property of The Oval. This allows us to maintain the site for the benefit of all. Trees cannot be removed once planted.

Tree locations will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 

By completing the form below and sponsoring or donating a tree or plaque, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions.

Important Information About the Plaques

The Oval is a public park, and while your plaque will be securely installed using postcrete, we cannot be held responsible for loss, damage, or vandalism.

We recommend keeping dedications simple and timeless. Business logos are welcome.
All plaque messages must be appropriate and free from offensive language or imagery. The Oval reserves the right to review all text before installation.

To arrange a plaque, please complete the form below. We will be in touch to finalise the design and confirm details.

Your Legacy

Your sponsored tree will become a lasting part of The Oval – a place for reflection, beauty, and wildlife. You are welcome to visit your tree anytime and join us for our volunteer planting days if you’d like to be more hands-on.

We’re always looking for local volunteers to help maintain our gardens. Whether you’re a keen gardener or just looking for a rewarding way to support your community, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our Volunteer Page to get involved.

To donate or sponsor a tree, please complete the form below and we’ll get in touch.

Order a Dedication Plaque

If you have chosen to order a small plaque to accompany your tree please also complete the following form:

Please note that to maintain consistency of design, all plaques are 125mm x 50mm in size, made from brushed stainless steel, mounted on dark mahogany, and engraved in the Arial font. Prices start at around £85 (inc VAT) including delivery.