More than a Million

Surpassing our tree planting target, two years ahead of schedule

It is with enormous pride that we can announce that Ground Control has surpassed its 5-year goal of planting 1 million trees, two years ahead of schedule!

Set to be achieved in 2025, the current tally is over 1.3 million trees planted, made up of native, ornamental tree and shrub species, across all stock sizes. These have been planted across the Evergreen Fund, volunteer projects and partnerships with clients.

Chris Bawtree, Nature Recovery Director commented:

Hitting our milestone so far ahead of schedule is a fantastic achievement. The native species planted will help to support nature’s recovery across the country, and we’re passionate to see these numbers continue to grow.

2021 and 2022 collectively saw nearly 700,000 trees, a number almost matched in 2023 alone with over 650,000 trees planted. A bumper 2023 accumulated in a celebration of Grounds Control’s 50th Year with volunteers planting a tree for every member of staff.

National Tree Week Volunteers at Wildfell

Contributing to this achievement have been projects such as the BALI award-winning 'Commonwealth Forests’, a project in 2022 that saw the planting of 35,000 trees with Severn Trent Water, recognised in the 'Community and Schools' Development' category.

Volunteer planting at a Commonwealth Forest planting day

Ground Control has continued to enhance its environmental credentials, as Sophie Stephens, Head of Environment & Sustainability, recently introduced our new net zero target and plans to achieve it.

Chris Bawtree, continued:

A big thank you to all the volunteers who have joined us for volunteer planting days throughout the country. This has been made possible by the teams and individuals who have taken the time to support us.