Plant a Tree at Croft 5
If you enjoy reading the Croft 5 blog, you might like to support the work that happens here.
Instead of “buy me a coffee”, we offer something a little more lasting: Donate a Tree to Croft 5.
Your contribution helps us plant and care for trees on the croft — supporting wildlife, improving the land, and shaping a more resilient place over time.
How does my contribution help?
When you plant a tree at Croft 5, your support goes towards planting the trees as part of a wider, thoughtful approach to crofting and land care.
It’s about providing habitats for wildlife, biodiversity, and for future custodians of this wonderful croft.
It’s not about quick fixes or token gestures.
Trees help to shelter livestock and provide habitats for wildlife, as well as improving the soil and water retention.
Planting a tree will help to make the croft more biodiverse and resilient and contribute to the wellbeing of visitors and crofters for generations to come.
It’s about contributing to making this small part of the world that little bit better.
Frequently Asked Questions
So, you’ve enjoyed reading our blog or would just like to support the wider work that we are carrying out here at Croft 5.
Let’s answer a few questions you may have:
What does “plant a tree at Croft 5” mean?
It means you’re supporting the planting and care of trees on the croft. Your contribution helps cover young trees, protection, and the time and work needed to help them establish.
You’re supporting the work, rather than buying a specific tree.
I am a grower, can I provide trees for the croft?
If you are a grower in the Western Isles then by all means, get in-touch. It would be great to start a conversation and see how you could help by supplying trees!
Can I plant “my” tree?
Trees aren’t individually assigned and are planted where and when they make most sense for the land, the season, and the wider planting plan.
However if you are visiting and would like to help out with planting then get in-touch and see if the timings coincide. If you’re available when we are planting then any volunteers would be welcome!
Am I planting a specific tree?
No. Trees are planted where and when they make most sense for the land, the season, and the wider planting plan.
This keeps things flexible and ensures trees have the best chance to thrive.
How can my business contribute?
We may consider applications to contribute to a larger number of trees, in a dedicated area for your business. This could be part of an additional package including volunteering for your staff, social media images, and other benefits to your company.
However this would not fall under a carbon offsetting scheme as we are more about making a difference locally and for the long-term future of the croft and biodiversity.
Contact us with your proposal and lets have a conversation!
Can I choose the type of tree?
Not directly. Trees are chosen based on what suits the land, soil, and conditions. Usually native trees (and some grown from hand collected seeds from ancient trees here on the island)
If you have a particular interest in a species, you’re welcome to get in touch.
Can I name “my” tree?
No — trees aren’t named or individually assigned. They are planted for the benefit of all and to be enjoyed by all.
Your support contributes to the wider planting and care of trees across the croft rather than a single, marked tree.
Is this a carbon offset?
No. This isn’t an offsetting scheme. The world doesn’t need more schemes and greenwashing. This is simply planting trees because it’s a good thing to do and has the many benefits for wildlife and people already discussed above.
Trees planted at Croft 5 are part of long-term land stewardship, biodiversity improvement, and practical crofting — not a way to cancel out emissions.
Where are the trees sourced?
Great question! We endeavour to source all of our trees from island growers, so by supporting our tree planting you are also supporting other island businesses.
On occasion we may source trees from elsewhere in Scotland or through suppliers such as the Woodland Trust, but these will always be appropriate for our area ad the provenance confirmed.
Will I get updates or photos?
There will be blog posts and updates showing planting work as it happens, and as they grow, but there are no individual reports or certificates. Of course you can share the photos and blog updates if you wish.
This keeps things simple.
How much does it cost to plant a tree?
You can contribute at a level that feels right to you. Any support helps, whether it’s the cost of one tree or perhaps you group together and contribute a few more.
Is this a one-off or ongoing commitment?
This is a one-off payment, but you can obviously buy a tree as often as you like. No commitment, no subscriptions, we don’t even keep your details. Nice an simple.
Why trees?
Trees help improve soil, shelter wildlife, support biodiversity, and make the land more resilient over time.
They’re also a reminder that slow, patient work matters.
Where are the trees planted?
Trees are planted across the croft in places where they can thrive and make the most difference — often in wetter areas, along boundaries, or as part of wider habitat improvements.
Can I visit the trees?
Trees are planted across the croft and we welcome visitors. However we would advise contacting us to arrange a visit as this is a working croft, and we would like to be able to make time to show you around.
I have another question, where can I ask it?
If we haven’t covered the answer above then please send us a message via our contact page.
Small actions, long roots.
Planting trees is slow, practical work. Trees grow slowly, but they change a place for generations.
If you choose to support it, you’re helping care for the croft in a way that will last well beyond today. It’s genuinely appreciated.
Thank you!