A NEW partnership will see one of the UK's largest forestry firms work with a social enterprise to help establish commercial tree nurseries in prisons.
BSW Group has become a national partner of Forests With Impact, which delivers valuable skills in horticulture, nursery management and environmental conservation, in turn supporting how we approach ecological restoration.
The primary goal of the project is to grow seedlings that will assist the UK in achieving its tree planting, nature recovery and biodiversity targets, while the surplus income made from the tree nurseries will be reinvested into targeted training and community resources for the prison and the local community.
This programme not only tackles local employment and skills development challenges, but also serves as a powerful force for environmental change, marking the start of an extraordinary journey toward ecological restoration, community empowerment and social wellbeing.
The two businesses have already been working closely together, with Maelor Forest Nurseries, a member of BSW Group, providing expert insight to help HMP Haverigg establish its first polytunnel.
Andrew Henry, nursery director at Maelor, has supported the launch of the initiative with invaluable advice, along with Gavin McLaughlin, Head of ESG at BSW Group, and James Brennan, head of marketing at BSW Group.
Gavin said: “We’re delighted to be a National Partner for Forests With Impact and believe their objectives are very closely aligned with our own.
“Growing and planting trees promotes ecosystem restoration, helps combat climate change, and improves air quality, all while equipping prisoners with employable skills.
“Helping to provide valuable skills is an essential step in improving our communities and helping those in difficult situations turn their lives around.
“We’re incredibly excited about the programme and believe that by working together, we can help to change people’s lives for the better, while also raising awareness of the opportunities within our sector.”
Sarah MacGregor, programme lead for Forests With Impact, said: “The expert support and advice from BSW has been incredible and crucial to our set-up and launch. We are forever grateful for the amazing legacy they are helping us to create and the impact we are making together.”
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