Cyprus Mail 13 March 2021 - by George Psyllides
The forestry department said it had run out of trees it was giving out to the public for free just hours after the collection points opened on Saturday.
The department thanked the public for its unprecedented response, as it urged people to stop driving to the collection points.
People started arriving at the locations two hours before the scheduled opening at 10am, the department said, and in a bid to avoid congestion, its staff served them, running out of tree before the scheduled opening time.
The department said it would be announcing a new date for collection soon.
Using the slogan “tree planting becomes a family matter”, the department announced last week it would provide families with free saplings to mark the beginning of Spring.
The action aimed to “remind everyone, especially children, of the multifaceted role of the tree but also the need to protect and expand greenery,” the department wrote on their Facebook page.
Prior to the pandemic, the department organised events to mark National Tree Day but these were postponed due to the pandemic.
“Family tree planting will give parents and children the opportunity to share a creative activity, beautify their yards and at the same time take care of the environment,” it added.
Three young trees were given to each family, while those arriving with their children were allowed one additional tree for every child.
