Planting trees to protect our environment
Our Tree Planting initiative
Our commitment to the environment is a huge part of our vision as an organisation. As one of our key five objectives, we have environmental goals and measures for our homes, our team, and the services we provide for residents and the community.
Last year, we sourced 105 free saplings from the Woodland Trust for our caretakers to plant in various communal areas to support our commitment towards environmental improvements as well as enhancing the green space and biodiversity. The majority of these saplings were planted at Avon Place in Aylesbury, which is a vast plot of land.
After the success of this project, we have applied and been approved for another 105 saplings which we will receive in November. These are due to be planted surrounding the brook between Verney Walk and Carrington Road in Southcourt. Work has already started in the area to develop the space as a ‘wildlife corridor’ by planting corms (similar to bulbs or tubers) to aid the development of wildlife. By intentionally planting in this space we can help to reduce the likelihood of fly-tipping, which would usually cause blockages and flooding. Kevin Price, Caretaker Manager, said: “We want to provide suitable habitat as we know there is a kingfisher in the brook and there have been rumours of an otter. The area is also popular with our residents as a place to walk and relax”.
As part of our wider planting commitment, we’ve worked closely with our IT Department to offset the printing paper we use in our Head Office by planting new trees. These tree saplings were sourced from a local nursery and planted by our Caretakers at Abbotts Ridge in Long Crendon earlier this year. We have also planted approximately 30 fruit trees as part of this ongoing project at Wycliffe End (Bearbrook Orchard), Aylesbury. The aim is to involve more children and their families in sustainable activities and it also makes for a picturesque feature as the orchard is adjacent to a busy pathway!
We covered the initial development in April which you are able to read more about in this news article. Our Housing Services Manager, Mark Frayne-Johnson, added: “We are pleased that we’ve once again demonstrated our dedication to supporting wildlife, enhancing our green spaces, and improving the overall environment through the planting of numerous trees at various locations nearby. We look forward to caring for our existing trees and moving forward with our tree planting programme in the year ahead.”
If you have any green spaces or communal areas near you that you think could benefit from our tree planting initiative then please get in touch and let us know on IMPACT or email hello@fairhive.co.uk.
Keep an eye out on our social media for more stories like this about what were are doing to improve local spaces and offset our environmental impact.