The main contractor on the current Dorset County Hospital construction project, Willmott Dixon, recently donated 600 tree whips to be planted at the rapidly emerging new community woodland at Kings Road in Dorchester, but the input didn’t stop there. Willmott Dixon team members then helped to plant the whips during a fun morning alongside staff from Dorchester Town Council and volunteers from People First Dorset, Employ My Ability, The GAP Ecotherapy Project, Thomas Hardye School and Dorset Mind, local mental health charity.
Richard Poulter, Managing Director at Willmott Dixon’s Central South region, said:
“We are proud to be partnering with Dorchester Town Council to improve biodiversity in the area by planting 600 trees in the town as part of our ongoing work at Dorset County Hospital.
Delivering an environmental net gain is a key ambition for us and we strive to support re-wilding, space for local people to connect with nature, and biodiversity enhancements. These trees are just one of many schemes being undertaken by Willmott Dixon. We are planting more than 10,000 trees a year over the next decade as pledged in the ‘Better Planet’ theme of the company’s 2030 ‘Now or Never’ sustainability strategy. Every tree counts and it has been wonderful to plant these trees in partnership with The GAP Ecotherapy Project, Dorset Mind, students from Thomas Hardye School, Employ My Ability, and People First Dorset”
The trees are a mix of native species and were selected for their benefits to the wider environment by providing food and habitat for birds and other animals so increasing biodiversity in an area that was previously just short mown grass with very little wildlife value.
Laura Kerr, Manager at People First Dorset said:
“People First Dorset, a user led organisation supporting people with learning disabilities, is thrilled have been able to support Dorchester Town Council as part of the Dorset County Hospital Project, to dig in 600 whips for trees at the Kings Road playing field in Dorchester. With some of our members having recently taken part in a project to learn more about protecting the environment and climate change at Dorset Museum, there is much enthusiasm and interest to engage in community projects which help protect our local environment. The planting was a lot of fun and it was wonderful for our members and staff team to be working outside together in the fresh air doing something positive!”.
Claire Meyer, Trustee of The Gap adds:
“The GAP Ecotherapy Project, Dorchester is happy and proud to be involved in volunteering to plant trees as we passionately believe in the value of our natural environment and how helping to take care of it can really improve our sense of wellbeing”
The community woodland at King’s Road comprises groups of native trees with the planting of woodland wild flowers planned for the future. A new circular grass woodland walk was also created this winter that is flat and open for all to enjoy.
Mark Addison, Chairman of Dorset County Hospital, said:
“As part of plans to develop the hospital site and our social value pledge, we’re committed to adding to the biodiversity of the local area and improving the wellbeing of our local communities – so we’re delighted that our partnership with Willmott Dixon has enabled this tree planting scheme to happen. Thank you to all involved, especially those who volunteered to plant the trees. I’m sure they will be enjoyed by local people for many years to come.”
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Cllr Fiona Kent Ledger, Dorchester Town Council says:
“We were delighted to receive the donation of both trees and planting help from Willmott Dixon. It is great to see a company giving back in areas where it carries out work and wisely to be considering the environment in the longer term. I would also like to thank the all the brilliant volunteers who came along to help plant too. We really hope the community take the new wood to their hearts. To see people taking the time and making the effort to help plant it is a really good sign for the future”.
