Nationwide tree planting starts in Wiltshire

Nationwide Building Society planted three thousand trees near Malmesbury last week, in the first three days of its initiative to plant one tree for each of its employees.

Oak, blackthorn and hazel saplings were planted at on land owned by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust at Ravensroost Wood near Malmesbury.

Thirty employees from Nationwide’s Swindon HQ joined pupils from East Wichel Primary School to plant the trees.

Gary Mantle, chief executive officer of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust – who planted a field maple on Monday – said: “It was great to see the energy and enthusiasm of everyone taking part, despite the wet, boggy clay, hail and high winds.

“It reinforces everything we say about the positive impact of the natural environment on our health and wellbeing.”

Graham Beale, chief executive of Nationwide Building Society, planted an oak tree on the site. He said: “The creation of woodlands across the country not only delivers an environmental benefit but also provides areas for our members, employees and communities to enjoy for generations to come.

“In fact, our research has shown 40 per cent of people think woodland would make their local area a better place to live.

“Over the last 169 years many things have changed but Nationwide’s commitment to doing the right thing has never been stronger – we run a sustainable business model, have responsible employment policies, like the Living Wage, and work with communities across the country to meet the needs of our customers.”

Adam Afouneh, who works at Nationwide’s head office in Swindon, said: “As soon as I got the email about this, I thought, ‘That would be great – to do something for the environment.’

“It’s been really good – a bit different. It was great doing something challenging and being out in the fresh air.”

Last year, Mr Beale pledged to plant a tree for every current Nationwide employee and every future employee – that’s 17,000 trees with up to an additional 3,000 per year.