On the 22 January, Premier, the founder of the Carbon Capture programme, partnered with the Woodland Trust to host a tree planting event at the historic Smithills Estate in Bolton. The event welcomed 50 of Premier’s Carbon Capture customers to actively participate in planting 600 native trees, including oak, downy birch, and aspen.
Smithills Estate, the largest site ever acquired by the Woodland Trust in England, provided a picturesque and meaningful backdrop for the initiative. Nestled beneath the iconic Winter Hill TV mast, the estate boasts a diverse landscape of grasslands, woodlands, moorlands, and bog habitats, rich in wildlife and steeped in history.
The tree planting event highlighted Premier’s dedication to addressing environmental challenges through tangible actions. By planting 600 trees, Premier and its customers are contributing to carbon sequestration efforts, biodiversity restoration, and the revitalisation of valuable habitats at Smithills Estate.
Premier’s customers took part in an activity known as “beating up,” an essential practice to increase the success rate of tree planting. This involved replacing young trees that had not survived with new transplants, ensuring that the estate’s newly restored woodlands have the best chance to thrive.
The event took place following a significant milestone for Premier, who have now donated over £2 million to the Woodland Trust through the environmental initiative. This landmark achievement underscores Premier’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Woodland Trust’s mission and its dedication to growing this partnership in the years to come.
“At Premier, sustainability is at the core of what we do,” said Hussein Ismail, Marketing Director at Premier. “Our partnership with the Woodland Trust and the opportunity to bring our customers to Smithills Estate for this event underscores our shared commitment to tackling climate change and fostering biodiversity. These trees will not only absorb carbon dioxide but also help create thriving ecosystems for future generations.”
The Woodland Trust’s ongoing efforts at Smithills Estate include restoring ancient woodlands, managing grasslands, and protecting rare species such as skylarks, barn owls, and five species of bats. The newly planted trees will further enhance these efforts by providing habitats for wildlife and enriching the estate’s ecological diversity.
Premier’s tree planting initiative reflects its broader commitment to the environment and helps businesses to enhance their own corporate social responsibility. By engaging customers directly in sustainability efforts, Premier fosters a collaborative approach to tackling environmental challenges, ensuring their Carbon Capture programme has a lasting impact.
To find out more about how to get involved in the CarbonCapture programme, visit www.paper.co.uk orcontact your local Premier branch.