North Northamptonshire Council works with local businesses on tree plantings

27 March 2024

Teams from the council recently joined forces with 70 volunteers from local businesses and community group to plant more than 650 trees at sites across Corby and Kettering.

Companies and groups including Axil Integrated Services Ltd, BakeAway, Ricoh UK Ltd, RS Components and Natural-Ise all took part in plantings at sites to help boost canopy cover and ensure future growth on existing shelterbelts and parklands.

All trees planted by the 70 volunteers were a mixture of 14 different native species including; Rowan, Wild Cherry, English Oak, Hawthorn and Silver Birch. It hoped that the trees will succeed and eventually replace those which may be lost to diseases such as Ash Dieback.

The scheme, led by the council, offered residents the chance to be involved with tree planting in local communities and opportunities for outdoor learning, as well a lasting legacy.

In the name of all the RS PRO team, we would like to thank the NNC team for organising such an amazing day. We felt it was well organised with clear instructions and amazing people who explained our job role very well and helped when needed. We truly feel you are doing an amazing job and we tried our best today.Mia Dely, category manager for RS

Activities and sessions like this have such an impact with every single tree planted making a positive difference to our natural environment.

We are committed to providing quality green spaces and community engagement is key to ensuring that green spaces are cared for in generations to come. I would encourage other businesses and volunteers to get involved and make contact with our teams.Cllr Harriet Pentland, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Climate and the Green Environment

These recent plantings coincide with wider work being completed by NNC across the area to increase the canopy cover and replace trees lost through disease and climate change.

So far this season, the council’s Grounds Services and Parks and Woodlands teams have planted a further 7175 whips working with a number of partners including Friends of Groups, Tree Wardens, school groups and businesses across the five NNC country parks and Corby woodlands. In addition to the whips, the team were also responsible for the planting of the King’s Tree, marking the King’s Coronation, in Hazel and Thoroughsale Woods, Corby.

All volunteers were supported by NNC Officers who provided expert knowledge on tree planting techniques, aftercare and the use of urban greenspaces. Anyone who wishes to be involved with volunteering and supporting community initiatives can contact North Northamptonshire Council.