Lexmark UK's Sustainable Partnership with NHS Forest: Creating Green Spaces for Health and Biodiversity

At Lexmark UK, we are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and our communities. In line with our sustainability initiatives, we are proud to have partnered with the NHS Forest, an inspiring initiative coordinated by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. Our collaboration aims to improve the health and wellbeing of staff, patients, and local communities by increasing access to green spaces on or near NHS land. Last year, Lexmark UK sponsored the planting of 150 trees, contributing to the transformation of the Cheshire and Merseyside region. The following blog delves into the details of our sustainable journey!

Promoting Health and Wellbeing through Green Spaces

The NHS Forest, established in 2009, is an initiative that seeks to enhance the health and wellbeing of staff, patients, and local communities. By creating and expanding green spaces on or near NHS land, this initiative aims to provide numerous benefits. Lexmark UK’s efforts to plant 150 trees demonstrates our full support for this vision. This substantial contribution has had a profound impact on the Cheshire and Merseyside region, promoting health, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

A Transformative Location: Countess of Chester Country Park

The 150 trees sponsored by Lexmark UK were strategically planted at the Countess of Chester Country Park, a former hospital site that has been transformed into a vibrant community and environmental hub. This location provides an ideal setting for creating accessible green spaces that offer various benefits to local residents and visitors alike. Notably, one-third of the site is now adorned with the trees from the NHS Forest, providing a haven for relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation.

Enhancing Biodiversity with Native British Broadleaves

Lexmark UK's sponsorship through the NHS Forest contributes to enhancing biodiversity and supporting local wildlife. The trees provided through this sponsorship are small specimens known as "whips," typically one to two years of age and reaching a height of up to 80cm, depending on the species. All of these trees are native British broadleaves, carefully sourced from reputable wholesalers. The diverse range of species includes silver birch, hornbeam, hazel, beech, ash, wild cherry, English oak, whitebeam, rowan (mountain ash), and lime trees. By planting these trees, we create an environment that fosters biodiversity, allowing native flora and fauna to thrive.

Tailored Planting Approaches for Optimal Growth

To ensure the sustainable growth of the trees, Lexmark UK followed planting approaches suited to each site, factoring-in local biological conditions, the scale of the project influence, the selection and the arrangement of trees. Moreover, the careful timing improves the chances of long-term, healthy growth. Additionally, each tree is accompanied by a biodegradable tree guard and stake, providing support and protection during its early stages.

What’s next?

Lexmark UK's partnership with the NHS Forest demonstrates our unwavering commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and the creation of green spaces that promote health and biodiversity. Through our sponsorship of 150 trees, we have contributed to the transformation of the Cheshire and Merseyside region, providing numerous benefits to staff, patients, and local communities. We are proud to be part of this initiative, and we will continue to work towards a greener and healthier future for all. Together, let's nurture our environment and create sustainable legacies that will thrive for generations to come.