The trust that runs local hospitals has launched the second phase of its Hope Orchard community initiative with more than 100 trees being planted across Mansfield, Ashfield and Newark.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals’ Hope Orchard includes sites across Nottinghamshire, but also has trees in Wales, Surrey, Hampshire and Cambridgeshire. It is supported by organisations and schools, which are also planting trees to off-set carbon emissions.

The Children’s Ward at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, received a plum tree donation from the trust’s Climate Action Team, which was planted in the ward’s outdoor play area by trust executives, ward sister Sarah Jenkins, and members of the Climate Team.

Sarah said: “Hope Orchard’s aim is to educate people on the benefits of trees; not only do they support the environment and eco-system for wildlife and food, but they offset harmful carbon emissions too.

“By having this plum tree, dedicated to our little patients in hospital, and other trees planted in our hospitals’ green spaces, we hope to inspire people to not only plant their own trees, but learn about the impact climate change is having on health and commit to small changes to help the planet.”

Alex Emery, lead for technology and digital at The Evolve Trust at The Brunts Academy, Mansfield, is planting trees across four school sites.

“Sadly, in early 2021, we lost our food technology teacher, Sarah Bland. Our seasonal food garden, and the produce within it, is dedicated to her and her passion for teaching students about food and cooking,” he said. 

“The garden will teach students about the importance of healthy living and how to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

“We hope when the garden is up and running in the spring to use some of the produce in our food technology lessons and to incorporate learning about seasonal goods and the positive impact on the environment from growing your own.”

 Kimberley Cannon, Sherwood Sustainability Lead, said: “We hope to encourage more people to think about their climate impact and begin to offset this with sustainable actions and supporting climate action.

“We all know that trees are good for the environment; they help offset carbon emissions, making the air that we breathe cleaner. They also provide habitat for wildlife, and the seeds and berries provide food for both wildlife and humans. It’s great to connect with nature and know that it’s for a good cause too.

“We’d like to thank everyone who got involved during this week and helped increase our Hope Orchard to more than 200 trees.”

For more information on the Trust’s Climate Action Team, Green Plan and how to get involved in Hope Orchard, visit: https://bit.ly/SFHClimateAction

TOP: From left, Kimberley Cannon, sustainability service lead; Sarah Jenkins, ward sister; Claire Ward, trust chair; and Paul Robinsons, chief executive.