30 March 2023

INTEGRITY PRINT’S CEO PLANTS 250 MORE TREES WITH THE WOODLAND TRUST

Earlier this month, Integrity Print’s CEO, Mark Cornford, was found planting trees again – and not for the first time.  A further 250 native trees have been planted on his land in South Somerset, through the Woodland Trust’s MOREWOODS project which Mark started back in 2020 when a mammoth 1000 trees were planted, followed by a further 500 later in the programme.  During this initial period, the Integrity team were joined by children from the Butleigh C of E Primary school, who were invited to learn about trees and to take part in the project. This turned out to be a really positive day, as headteacher of the school, Helen Caines noted that the children “absolutely loved it”! 
  
Mark said “Integrity has always looked to make a valuable and positive contribution to our local community. We will look to continue our efforts this year and hopefully make an even greater impact in 2023.  It’s also a great way to link a personal passion to Integrity’s views on Corporate Social Responsibility and a fabulous sustainability ‘full circle’ when running a print company.
  
When discussing this project, Mark went on to explain “I have always felt my best when I am making efforts to reconnect with nature. We have space in these fields, so I feel you can never plant too many trees. It is good for the environment, good for biodiversity and wildlife and our local community seems to appreciate what we are doing. I can’t think of any reasons why I shouldn’t plant more! It is a positive thing not just for my own children, but for my children’s children and future generations.  It was good fun, a decent exercise and a great excuse to get my knees muddy planting this latest batch.”
  
Mark’s project is one of many being undertaken by landowners, farmers, businesses and local authorities through the Woodland Trust. These projects have helped increase biodiversity, provide shelter, prevent soil erosion, and reduce the risk of flooding in rural areas throughout the UK. You can apply to take part in the MOREWOODS project via the Woodland Trust’s website.
  
The Woodland Trust’s MOREWOODS project is a supportive service designed to allow landowners to plant a large number of trees in a streamlined, efficient way. With their support and advice Mark had already planted a total of 1500 native trees on his land. The additional 250 trees include a variety of different native species, such as Field Maple, Common Alder, and Downy Birch, to increase the diversity of the existing project.