Together with the Heart of England Forest, we will plant trees, support the growth and establishment of new woodlands, and create and maintain habitats at a time when investing in nature has never been more important. Through this initiative, we will be able to increase our support and investment in the environment, wildlife, people and communities.
It’s never been more important to invest in our natural environment and help combat climate change. We’re proud to be working with the Heart of England Forest, supporting the growth and protection of the environment.
Socitm’s support for the volunteering programme will help the charity to plant, maintain and manage vital new woodlands and other important habitats.
Currently, only 13% of Britain is covered by trees – one of the lowest percentages in Europe! The Heart of England Forest aims to create and conserve a magnificent 30,000-acre broadleaf forest, and has planted over 2 million trees so far in this effort.
What we've done so far
We will be recognising our staff, customers and key milestones as well as supporting the woodland with the honour of a planted tree.
- 589 trees planted in 2021/22 so far
- Volunteer days in November 2021 and Janaury 2022
- Visited in August 2022 to support with forest maintenance
- We aim to plant 500 trees per year by 2025
Your trees in the Socitm Woodland
There are three mains species of tree we have planted as part of our volunteering with The Heart of England Forest: English Oak, Silver Birch and Beech. You can find out more about each of these species and how many we’ve planted as a Socitm family of each.
English Oak
A symbol of strength and the national tree of many countries, including England, this species dominates deciduous woodland and accounts for around 35% of all the saplings planted by the Heart of England Forest.
We have planted 273 English Oak
Silver Birch
This elegant, slender deciduous tree owes its common name to the grey, white or silver bark on its trunk, which appears to peel away like paper.
We have planted 209 Silver Birch
Beech
Often considered the queen of British trees, this impressive deciduous species has such delicate bark that any carvings, like lovers’ initials, stay on the tree for many years before it can heal itself.
We have planted 107 Beech
“I absolutely loved my day in the forest planting oak and ash saplings for the Heart of England Forest. It’s humbling to realise these trees will be here long, long after I’ve gone! A great sense of satisfaction knowing I’m playing a small but important part in an initiative of such fundamental importance to the environment.”
James Threapleton, Business Development Director – Socitm Advisory