AN ORGANISATION in Reading is seeking funding from businesses to help its work to make the town greener.
Ethical Reading helps organisations in and around Reading to make a positive social and environmental impact, and is keen to attract new businesses to work with.
It developed the Trees for Reading initiative in partnership with Reading Tree Wardens and Reading Borough Council, which saw 41 young trees planted in town last year.
The tree planting season begins in November, which means that Ethical Reading is gearing up to begin the next round of planting, with its trees located to make maximum impact in built-up areas or those with low tree cover.
One of the companies who has already sponsored the planting of new trees is insurance and financial services providers Macbeth, whose donation funded the planting of two Freeman’s Maples next to St Michael’s Primary School, Dee Road.
Reading Borough Council contracted the planting of the trees, and will provide watering services over the next two years to help the trees settle in.
Trees for Reading’s lead, Kathryn McCann, said: “We’re grateful to Macbeth for their donation, which has allowed us to bring more trees to this part of town, where tree cover is low and pollution high.
“As they grow, they will help to improve air quality in the area. Young lungs can be especially vulnerable to the impact of airborne pollutants, so this location right next to a primary school will ensure the trees have maximum positive impact.”
Millie Smith, Marketing Director at Macbeth, said, “With many of our people born and bred in Reading, we’ve always been passionate about supporting local community-based projects.
“We’re delighted to be a part of this project, knowing the fantastic benefits the trees will bring, improving mental health and general well-being, helping to reduce summer heat and boosting biodiversity.”
More information about supporting Ethical Reading and supporting the planting of new trees is available via: ethicalreading.org.uk
