Holywell site branches out!

THE Northern Trust has embarked on a new tree planting scheme that will see 7,000 native trees planted at the Holywell hospital site in the coming years.

The initiative forms a key part of the Trust’s sustainability strategy and its commitment to supporting the transition to net zero.

The project has been made possible by support from sponsors and charities, including Trees On The Land who have supplied the trees and will be assisting with the planting.

The Trust plans to plant 1,000 trees each year for the next seven years on unused land at the Holywell hospital site. The planting will help transform the area, creating a greener, more welcoming space for service users, visitors and staff.

In addition to the tree-planting, bird nesting boxes have been kindly donated by the BASC and will be installed in mature beech woodland nearby.

Paddy Graffin, Director of Infrastructure at the Trust, said: “We know that trees have so many benefits, they’re good for people’s wellbeing and they are great for nature, and alongside our other biodiversity schemes, they form a key part of our broader sustainability strategy.

“As a Trust, we recognise that we have a significant role to play in ensuring we operate responsibly and preserve our planet for future generations. This includes improving energy and water efficiency in our buildings; switching to low-carbon forms of heat; replacing fossil fuel fleet vehicles with low or zero emission alternatives, and encouraging sustainable development through our supply chain.”

In recent years, the Northern Trust has planted several hundred native trees and supported the development of natural wildflower meadows across sites.

Dr Petra Corr, Director of Mental Health, Learning Disability and Psychological Services at the Trust, said: “We recognise that a healthy environment underpins healthy people.

“Planting these trees is not just an environmental milestone - it’s an investment in the wellbeing of our service users and staff. The planting will help transform the surroundings at Holywell Hospital and greatly enhance the site for everyone.”

The 7,000 trees will capture and store thousands of tonnes of carbon, improve local air quality, increase biodiversity by creating habitats for wildlife, benefit the ecosystem and provide a lasting legacy for future generations.