A team of Wales & West Utilities colleagues turned out in force to plant trees in the Mangotsfield area of South Gloucestershire and improve biodiversity in the local area.
The initiative was part of the gas emergency and pipeline service's pledge to plant five trees for every one they have to remove as part of their work to keep the gas flowing safely.
The planting in Mangotsfield was done in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council and enhanced the council’s own tree planting programme.
During the day more than 20 trees were planted by members of the company’s sustainability team and it is hoped that, as well supporting biodiversity and improving air quality, people will be able to enjoy seeing them grow during the coming years.
Sarah Williams, Wales & West Utilities Director of Regulation, Asset Strategy & HSE, helped plant the trees and said:
Through investing £400m in the gas network between 2021 and 2026 we are committed to helping communities right across Wales and south west England go green.
We’re also focussed on delivering a number of long-lasting initiatives that benefit the communities we serve – including improving air quality and biodiversity.
Taking part in this tree planting exercise was not only great fun, allowing us to meet with colleagues in the great outdoors, but it also will benefit the community in Mangotsfield by enhancing biodiversity, reducing carbon and improving wellbeing."
"We are delighted that we have been able to link with South Gloucestershire Council to enhance their programme and hope this will be the first of many activities across our network.
In Wales & West Utilities 2021-2026 business plan the company also committed to:
- Recycling or reusing 80% waste by 2026, while eliminating single use plastic and reducing paper consumption by 75% by 2026. Together these measures will help the company achieve zero waste to landfill by 2035
- Aiming for a zero emissions fleet (including HGVs) by 2035
- Adopting the principle of Biodiversity Net Gain – an approach that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was preciously by improving biodiversity and ecosystems.
Toby Savage, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said:
We’d like to thank Wales & West Utilities for funding these trees and their hard work to plant them. Planting more trees is a vital part of the work needed to protect and restore nature and prepare for the impact of a changing climate. Working with proactive organisations like Wales & West Utilities is a great way to inspire more people to get involved.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night. Before visiting, we'll ask you to let us know if you or anyone in your household, is experiencing Coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating. We'll still come and help you: but our teams will take some additional precautions to keep us all safe.