Foundation digs deep to plant 400 trees
The Wesleyan Foundation has completed the first phase of its partnership with the Small Woods charity, which has seen more than 400 new trees planted across the UK.
Small Woods, the Shropshire-based charity, promotes the environmental, social, economic and cultural benefits of woodlands, with a focus on sustainable woodland management and delivering outdoor activities that promote better health and wellbeing.
Its partnership with the Wesleyan Foundation began in 2020 with a £25,000 donation that supported five tree planting projects from the Welsh coast to the Scottish Highlands.
These projects have now been completed, but the relationship is ongoing, and more projects are set to be announced.
Chief executive of Small Woods Ian Baker said: “Britain 's woodlands are an underappreciated resource, providing a haven for wildlife and a great environment for people to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
“Our partnership with the Wesleyan Foundation has delivered hundreds of new trees in community projects that will be enjoyed by local people for generations to come.
“We 've already achieved a lot, and I 'm even more excited about the work we have planned in the future, which will not only benefit the local environment, but provide training opportunities for people who really need them. ”
The Wesleyan Foundation, part of the Birmingham-based financial services mutual Wesleyan, was founded to support causes that are important to Wesleyan 's customers, who are all doctors, dentists and teachers.
Nathan Wallis, chief of staff for Wesleyan, the financial service mutual, said: “As a mutual, we want to be a positive force for change and it 's great to see how our partnership with Small Woods is doing just that, creating new woodlands that will be enjoyed by communities for years to come.
“We are committed to acting in a sustainable and responsible way and will continue to fund projects that protect and improve our environment and combat climate change.
“We 're excited to see what 's next for Small Woods and look forward to working with them in the years ahead. ”
The five new sustainable woodlands across the UK are:
- The Charlton School, Telford - a mix of 60 hardwood trees were planted by students as part of an environmental project to educate pupils and enhance the biodiversity of the school grounds.
- Menter y Plu, Llanystumdwy - 60 fruit trees of various varieties were planted to create a community orchard providing a community hub and a venue for social forestry activity.
- Kinlochleven, Scottish Highlands - 200 trees planted to increase biodiversity and provide an interactive and accessible place for the community to engage with nature.
- Thornhill College, Derry - a mix of 50 trees creating a small woodland area as part of a wider environmental and biodiversity project.
- Corrymeela Community, Derry - 60 mixed woodland trees planted in association with a trauma and resolution centre which supports those affected by the troubles in Northern Ireland.
Wesleyan Foundation has now awarded a total of £5 million to good causes across the UK since its launch five years ago.
The Foundation was set-up by Birmingham based financial services mutual Wesleyan in 2017 to support causes that are important to its members, customers and colleagues and the communities in which they live and work.
Since then, it has helped an estimated 440,000 people by awarding grants to charities, community groups and social enterprises across the UK.
For more information and to apply for funding visit Apply for a grant (wesleyan.co.uk)
