National Highways is partnering with The Tree Council to support
multiple community projects by donating thousands of trees to
charities, local communities and heritage and wildlife sites
across the UK to benefit biodiversity.
Up to 40 tree planting projects are being delivered this year to
help meet the target of growing and planting three million trees
across England by 2030.
National Highways' partnership with The Tree Council will see
three million trees established in locations where they will
thrive and provide the most benefit for biodiversity, carbon and
communities. Up to 600,000 native trees will be donated annually
from a variety of species.
Stephen Elderkin, Director of Environmental Sustainability at
National Highways, said:
“The positive impact of trees and green spaces on both the
environment and the communities surrounding them is clear to see,
so I'm proud to work with The Tree Council in planting three
million trees across England.
“It's great to see the trees starting to go
into the ground this planting season, helping demonstrate how
nature as well as landowners, communities and organisations
benefit from low carbon initiatives.”
Trees will be given to a variety of projects and organisations,
including the community planting project at Bell Hill Recreation
Ground in Petersfield, Hampshire. This will support the planting
of a hedgerow buffer around a family play area, creating safe
spaces for the local community to enjoy, while also diversifying
tree species.
Sara Lom, CEO of The Tree Council, said:
“In National Tree Week, the UK's biggest celebration of
trees, we're delighted to launch this new three-million-tree
partnership with National Highways, bringing trees into even more
people's lives across the country.
“The partnership supports community
volunteers, conservation charities, local authorities and
landowners to establish trees, orchards and hedgerows in urban
and rural locations, capturing carbon, providing homes for
precious wildlife and lifting our spirits. What a great way to
mark the start of the tree planting season!"
The trees have all been grown by Greenwood Plants, near Arundel.
Melanie Asker, Greenwood Group Managing Director said:
“Greenwood has lovingly grown the trees for the three million
trees partnership from seed over the past two years across its
nursery sites, and the G team is excited to see them being
delivered to their new homes. It's wonderful to be part of such a
positive initiative - actively contributing to the enhancement of
the future British landscape for many generations to come.”
Native species, including Alder, Birch, Hawthorn, Oak, Rowan and
Beech, will be grown peat-free at West Sussex and Cheshire
nurseries. National Highways has chosen trees that will provide
seasonal interest through the year and blend well with
surrounding natural environments.
Notes to editors
National Tree Week (25 Nov
– 3 Dec),
Planting trees supports the UK Government tree planting targets,
and our own aim to protect and strengthen the natural environment
and community wellbeing.
National Highways will be taking applications on a continual
basis through to the last planting season in 2028/2029. To apply,
please visit The Tree
Council Web page.
Further information and criteria for successful submissions
available here.
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company
responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England's
motorways and major A roads.
View our press releases online at https://nationalhighways.co.uk/press/
About The Tree Council
The Tree Council is a national charity and membership
organisation that brings everyone together with a shared
mission to care for trees and our planet's future. We inspire
and empower organisations, government, communities and
individuals with the knowledge and tools to create positive,
lasting change at a national and local level. We are helped in
our work by thousands of volunteer Tree Wardens and a growing
force of Young Tree Champions. For more information about our
work, visit www.treecouncil.org.uk.
