Supporting a Greener Future: Vertas Contributes to the Million Trees Project

This February, 133 schools across Derbyshire will receive a free apple tree funded by Vertas Group as part of Derbyshire County Council’s Million Tree project.

The initiative aims to plant at least one million trees in the region by 2030, helping to combat the effects of climate change.

As part of this inspiring programme, every school in the county has been invited to plant a tree on its grounds. Vertas Derbyshire Limited, Derbyshire County Council’s cleaning and landscape contractor is pleased to have funded and provided the trees.

On 27th January, representatives from Vertas Derbyshire Limited were pleased to join staff and students at Lea Primary School to celebrate the planting of their apple tree. The event highlighted the significance of prioritising sustainability and community partnership in building a greener future.

The planted trees will be added to the Million Trees online map and totaliser, of which the total currently stands at 561073.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, Councillor Carolyn Renwick said:

“Trees act like sponges to remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere, they provide natural flood management, improve soil quality and increased wildlife habitats and biodiversity. And of course, being out and about among trees and nature improves our health and wellbeing, as well as the environment.”

“Tree planting is a great way to teach pupils about the importance of nature and our natural environment, and I hope that the tree that we’re giving each school – with the generous support of Vertas Derbyshire Limited – will spark an interest in trees generally and the many benefits they bring.

“Each tree takes us a step closer to our Million Trees target and helps with Derbyshire’s journey to becoming a net zero county by 2050 or sooner.”

Rachel Shaw, Head of FM Services at Vertas Derbyshire Limited, said:

“We are delighted to collaborate with Derbyshire County Council in supporting the Million Trees Project. It was a pleasure for our team to attend Lea Primary School and witness this fantastic initiative in action. We are excited to contribute to the goal of planting at least one million trees by 2030, and we are proud to play our part in making it a reality.”

“At Vertas Group, sustainability is a core value. Through our contribution to this project, we aim to inspire students to explore the crucial role trees play in tackling climate change, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering greener, more sustainable communities.”

Through this partnership, a value at the core of this initiative, Derbyshire County Council and Vertas Derbyshire Limited aim to reduce carbon emissions while enhancing outdoor spaces for schools and communities.

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