25,000 trees and counting
The initiative is part of a decade-long campaign by the Ribble Rivers Trust called, ‘Woodland Connect’. The aim is to double the area of woodland across Lancashire, planting more than half a million trees to reduce flooding, improve air quality and remove 100,000 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere.
Volunteers from across The Senator Group, together with local schools and the Trust have planted 25,000 trees so far in thirty acres of land owned by the Mustoe family. We will be planting a further 5,000 trees in the coming weeks. Amongst the volunteers were Year 5 children from St Oswald’s Primary School in Accrington. They helped to plant Maple, Hazel, Hawthorne and Rowan trees, all chosen for their individual environmental benefits.
“Over the life span of these 30,000 trees, we estimate to sequester 8,000 tonnes of carbon, provide habitat to local wildlife; purify the air and water streams running through the River Ribble; and support flood mitigation in the local area. We are very proud of the enthusiasm showed by our own people, and by the children from local schools.” Olivia Broughton –Group Sustainability Manager at The Senator Group
This project, plus the installation of beehives at its sites in Accrington, Huncoat and Ohio are all efforts to encourage ‘biodiversity.’ Put simply, that’s the different kinds of life in the area surrounding us – whether that be insects, animals, plants, or organisms such as fungi.
"Using the ‘right tree right place approach’, we were mindful of planting woodland to compliment those established at the site. The woodland planting brings vital links to ancient woodland already in situ across the landscape and acts as a buffer to local watercourses. The Senator Group is a shining example of how we can work with businesses to make a massive difference. With 64 acres of woodland planting in total – this fantastic initiative will be hugely successful for biodiversity and the environment." Jonny Walker, Senior Woodland Officer - Ribble Rivers Trust
Our Indian colleagues have joined us too – although they have planted Mango and Pomegranate Trees, which are a lot more glamorous than our Maple and Hawthorne!
