AN OLDHAM-based Solicitors’ eco-conscious initiative, Planting Roots for the Future, is growing from strength to strength.
The campaign, by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisors is designed to support the environment, leave a lasting legacy for future generations, and give something back to clients.
Launched in 2021, every house purchase completed with the firm’s conveyancing team, delivers a tree to the homeowner.
If they do not want a tree or have no room in their garden, then the firm will plant one in designated open countryside, in parks and at schools.
On March 18, the team, supported by Oldham Council, helped to plant more than 20 trees in a woodland space on Churchill Playing Fields.
Many of the trees in this area had been decimated by ash dieback, so the scheme is a small step in restoring the space with new life.
The first tree in the scheme was given to Andrew Shepherd in 2021, who moved into a new property in Greenfield. An oak tree was delivered for his back garden.
The planting roots campaign is the brainchild of Victoria Marshall, Head of Conveyancing at Pearson, who wanted to help the firm reduce their environmental impact and do something special for clients at the same time.
“I just thought of all my clients putting down roots when they move into a new home and wanted to do something to recognise that monumental moment – and saving the planet is a bonus!” she said.
Andrew said: “It was lovely to get this moving in surprise from Pearson Solicitors and I’m impressed that they are taking time to consider environmental issues.
“Victoria and the team were great with my house move as you would expect from a good firm of solicitors – what I did not expect was the added bonus of a green gift.
“I am looking forward to some green shoots next summer, perhaps a nesting box as it get bigger and relaxing with a book and a glass of wine under the branches as it gets bigger.”
A local supplier is being used and the trees being delivered are Rowan, Apple, Birch, Field Maple, Oak and Hornbeam.
They are all British native trees grown from seed with a mix of sizes so different sizes of garden can be accommodated.
Oldham has declared Climate Emergency and as part of that a commitment has been made to increase tree cover from 11.9 per cent to 15 per cent in a generation, which could mean planting up to 100,000 new trees.
Pearson’s initiative will help to target private gardens that are an important and underused resource for tree planting.
“Being out and about in woodlands is so good for us all, and as a mum I know how lovely it is to be out walking in nature with my family,” added Victoria.
“Just having a tree in the garden attracts wildlife and improves our mental and physical health.
“It’s important we don’t take nature for granted and the Pearson campaign creates a legacy for future generations”
Planting a tree contributes to reducing emissions in the local area as one tree could remove one tonne of CO2 from the air over its lifetime.
Pearson’s other commitments to the environment include using low energy saving light bulbs wherever possible, having a drive to go paperless, and old office furniture is donated to shelters and other charity organisations.
