A Tree-mendous Effort

We all need to do our bit for the environment and here at Glasdon we understand the importance of environmental sustainability and are committed to Corporate Social Responsibility.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with Wyre Rivers Trust to allow our colleagues to participate in many local volunteer projects across our communities. We’ve become wildlife warriors in our endeavour to help the Wyre River Trust create an improved environment across the Wyre catchment in North West Lancashire.

The Wyre River Trust is a registered charity and is aiming to improve the water quality in the Wyre Catchment under the Water Framework Directive by 2027. In order to achieve this, the organisation will be holding many volunteer days undertaking activities such as tree planting, wildlife surveys, river sampling and restoring natural river processes.

On Wednesday 12th February we put on our wellies, zipped up our waterproofs and headed out for our very first volunteer day. This was a tree planting initiative headed by Sam Hopes and Lucy Brookfield - officers of the Wyre River Trust - as part of the organisations natural flood management programme. Together with Sam and Lucy, 17 staff members from various divisions at both our Poulton-le-Fylde and Preston New Road sites volunteered their time for this worthy cause.

Despite strong winds, we managed to plant 195 metres of native hedgerow in Abbeystead, Lancashire. We planted 5 native species of trees: Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Hazel, Downy Birch and Field Maple in alternating family groups so that the different species didn’t compete with neighbouring trees. Trees were planted in a zigzag formation which looks more natural than regimented rows of trees. These trees will capture water as it flows downhill, store carbon and provide habitats for birds and other wildlife.

Tree planting is essential for flood management as they help to soak up excess water and reduce flooding downstream. As well as causing damage to businesses and properties, flooding also disrupts river ecology and increases the amount of pollutants entering the watercourse. With the recent bout of heavy rainfall we can all visibly see the impact that flooding is having on our environment. We hope that our efforts will help reduce the risk of flooding for many years to come once the trees have fully matured.

The project was a huge success and our employees look forward to future activities.

Kayleigh Treece-Birch, a member of the Group Marketing department said:

The whole day was really enjoyable. I learnt a new skill, was educated on the importance of tree planting and how best to undertake this practice, and felt good about giving back to the community. The gloomy weather didn’t dampen our spirits, we were just happy to be outside doing something worthwhile.

At Glasdon we encourage our employees to volunteer their time to local causes. Volunteering brings great personal reward to our staff – enabling our colleagues to develop new skills, build connections and generally feel good about doing something to help our communities.

Thanks Wyre Rivers Trust for an enjoyable day!