MOREwoods Initiative with The Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme aims to develop an interactive and accessible forest area for the people they support to enjoy on their site in Alderley Edge.

David Lewis is one of the largest charities in the heart of Cheshire offering education, residential, medical, and therapeutic support for people with learning disabilities, epilepsy, autism and other complex support needs.

Pipp Greensmith, Head of Partnerships from The Woodland Trust said, “Projects like this one with David Lewis are a great opportunity to deliver huge social and environmental impact as part of local nature networks

“We’re providing 6,300 trees and 2,400 hedgerows at David Lewis through our MOREwoods scheme which will provide multiple benefits to the people David Lewis support including, attracting wildlife, capturing carbon, and making better use of green spaces.”

The charity utilises its rural location to engage people in nature, farming, animals, conservation, horticulture, woodcraft and sensory experiences. Increasing independence for the people they support, and providing opportunities to be part of a team in a supportive environment. This new partnership benefits the local community and hundreds of families who use David Lewis specialist facilities.

John Heritage, Chief Executive of David Lewis commented, “First, I would like to give my thanks to the Woodland Trust for their generous support, and also Lloyds Bank for funding the MOREwoods scheme,  making all this possible.”

“Secondly, I would like to thank the hundreds of volunteers for their time and efforts planting these trees in our 23 acre woods over a one week period. This development will have long lasting benefits for the people we support and drive our sustainability strategy, reducing our co2 levels now and for future generations.   We are also seeking to include the trees we have planted as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy which will make a huge impact on the number of trees planted in our wonderful county of Cheshire’

Those who volunteered consisted of the people supported by David Lewis., families, businesses who support the charity, Trustees, and members of the local community.

Businesses that volunteered to plant trees during the week long planting period between 30^th of March and the 5^th of April;

·        Solus

·        Aviva

·        Astrazeneca

·        Bruntwood

·        Envo Energy Solutions

·        Manchester Airport

·        NHBS

The MOREwoods scheme aims to create habitats for wildlife and plant native trees to benefit nature, people and climate change. Anyone with land can apply for the scheme and can choose to create a shelterbelt, fill a field corner or even plant a small woodland.

Any businesses who are looking to fundraise or volunteer at David Lewis please email: 

enquries@davidlewis.org.uk 

...to find out how you can get involved in future projects.

Pictured - James Miller from David Lewis, Sam (someone we support).