Our carbon offset project was chosen by our staff as one of three priority initiatives which reflect our collective commitment to the environment. Our employees were eager to be a part of this effort as they recognise the long-term benefits it will bring to both the planet and future generations. To celebrate World Forestry Day and highlight our sustainability initiatives, staff took part in a tree planting initiative on 24th March in the Marston Vale.
On the day we were joined by two representatives from Carbon Neutral Britain , Casper Eccles-Williams and Teresa Baron, who helped staff to plant a total of 200 trees. The species included Small Fern, Scottish Red, Weld Cherry, Small Leaved Lime, Maple, Silver Birch, and Oak. As a Carbon Neutral business, we have made a long-term commitment to offset our carbon emissions and leave a lasting and positive impact on the environment.
The UK Forest Creation project focuses on transforming the Marston Vale region, which was previously an industrial area between Bedford and Milton Keynes, into a thriving green landscape. Over the last few years, more than 2 million trees have been planted, with plans for an additional 5 million, to achieve 30% tree cover across the area. This is a huge undertaking for a region that, at the start of the project, had just 3% tree cover.
What makes this initiative so impressive is not just the carbon capture potential—estimated to be over 500,000 tonnes over the lifetime of the trees—but the positive impact it will have on local communities. The trees create a thriving habitat for wildlife, improve air quality, and they will help to manage flooding in the area. This project is also generating jobs and offering health benefits by encouraging outdoor activities and improving the local environment.
The event in Marston Vale event marked another significant step in the project’s mission to increase tree cover across the region. By participating in the ceremony, Billington has reaffirmed its dedication to ongoing reforestation efforts and climate action. We are committed to bringing the project closer to its ambitious goal of transforming the area into a thriving, green environment.
Karen Moore, Group Environmental and Quality Manager at Billington Structures, expressed her support for such a meaningful project. “For World Forestry Day, we are proud to highlight our Forest Creation project. It’s amazing to see how much the Marston Vale area has changed over the years, and we’re dedicated to being a part of this important work. Our commitment to becoming carbon neutral is a priority, and this project aligns perfectly with that goal. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when we work together with partners and the local community.”
By supporting projects like UK Forest Creation, Billington is helping to build a sustainable future for generations to come. On this year’s World Forestry Day, we are not only celebrating the trees we’ve planted, but our contribution to a healthier environment, thriving wildlife, and stronger communities.
