01673 818443The 23rd of November – 1st of December marks National Tree Week. Initially founded by The Tree Council in 1975, National Tree Week was a result of the Dutch elm disease crisis of the 1960's which decimated millions of trees. The ‘Plant a tree in ’73’ initiative successfully bolstered tree numbers but the need for increasing tree cover in the UK continued. The Tree Council was established in 1974 in response to this need and they subsequently launched National Tree Week the following year. It is now the UK’s largest annual tree celebration and is more relevant than ever amid the current climate emergency. Landing towards the beginning of the planting season, it is well timed to encourage communities to take action for the environment by planting and tending trees in their local environment.
To commemorate National Tree Week, we entered into the planting spirit at our HQ here in Lincolnshire. Our MD, Gary, along with his wife, Angela, and daughter, Charlotte, got their hands dirty, planting three bare root whips (with assistance from our canine team members).
They planted an English Oak (Quercus robur), a Hazel (Corylus avellana) and a Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) – all great additions to our onsite woodland, which was established in 2012 by Andrew Henderson, our previous owner and MD.
Each tree species was carefully selected, considering the surrounding species, the environmental conditions and the symbolism of the species. Particularly as the Oak tree imagery has long been synonymous with British Hardwood Tree Nursery’s branding. It perfectly illustrates the growth under the management of the Henderson family from a small family run nursery into one of the UK’s leading suppliers of bare root plants and planting accessories.
Gary commented, "Planting these tree whips with my family in the woodland here at British Hardwood Tree Nursery is an important moment for me. It celebrates my first National Tree Week as MD of British Hardwood Tree Nursery and means my family and I are contributing to a future greener environment, as well as adding to the legacy of my predecessor".
He continued, "I am very fortunate to be leading a great team that have already established strong roots for the business. We are looking forward to exciting times ahead and supporting our customers to plant their own legacy schemes – whether that is for themselves or for their customers".
These saplings add to our much loved, small woodland which serves multiple purposes at our HQ. It hosts a variety of wildlife, boosting our site biodiversity, it’s the perfect location for a lunchtime stroll and provides a fantastic area to test products in real life conditions. Speaking on the importance of trees Gary says, "Trees are at the heart of our communities, supporting wildlife, capturing carbon and improving mental and physical wellbeing. I’m proud to be part of an industry that facilitates a greener future so we can all experience more of these benefits".
Feeling inspired by National Tree Week? You can find a range of broadleaf and coniferous tree species available on our website. We can also help you give plants the best start with a range of planting accessories including protection, supports, ties, weed control matting, fertilizers and additives.
