Cowra Council is inviting local residents to be inspired by nature and make a positive difference by attending the annual National Tree Day giveaway in Cowra.

Cowra’s National Tree Day is again taking place at the Cowra Showground near the Showground Pavilion.

Activities start at 9am to approximately 12pm on Sunday, July 30 or until stock lasts.

This year Council will be giving away 2800 native trees, shrubs and grasses to Cowra Shire residents, with a limit of six per person.

Trees and shrubs are expected to go fast.

“National Tree Day is a fulfilling opportunity to connect with our local community, to do something good for our environment and experience the many benefits that come from spending time in nature,” said Technical Officer — Cowra Services, Mark Tucker.

Research shows that exposure to nature improves mental and physical health and also helps children learn about the natural world and develop key life skills such as problem solving and resilience .

There’s no better way to embrace these benefits than by taking part in Planet Ark’s iconic environmental campaign, now in its 22nd year.

“Our fast-paced, screen-driven lifestyle means children are losing touch with nature in a way we have never experienced before, and missing out on developing a life-long connection to nature,” said Planet Ark’s National Tree Day Manager Debbie Agnew.

“However, there are lots of simple ways parents, teachers and carers can add more nature time to children’s lives, such as taking indoor activities, like homework, meals and lessons, outdoors, or participating in events like National Tree Day.

This year’s National Tree Day theme – Be Inspired: It’s in Our Nature – highlights how nature ignites our inspiration, creativity and purpose, as well as offering significant health and wellbeing benefits,” Agnew said.

Last year nearly 310,000 people took part in National Tree Day at over 3,500 sites across the country, planting more than 1.1 million native trees, shrubs and edibles and helping to green urban areas.