In an inspiring move towards greater sustainability and nature recovery, Pinderfields Hospital in West Yorkshire completed a massive tree-planting project in early 2024, creating what is believed to be the longest new hedgerow on an NHS site in England in recent memory. This initiative not only enhances the hospital’s green spaces but also sets a powerful example for other healthcare facilities across the country.
The project, part of the NHS Forest, saw the planting of 4,000 trees along the northern and eastern boundaries of the hospital grounds. Spanning nearly one kilometre, this new hedgerow runs alongside two of the busiest roads near the site.
Why Hedgerows Matter
Hedgerows are vital components of the UK’s landscape, serving as complex ecosystems and linear wildlife habitats. However, they’ve been disappearing at an alarming rate, with over half of the country’s hedgerows lost since the post-war period – a staggering 118,000 miles gone.
Recognising this issue, Pinderfields Hospital saw an opportunity to make a difference. Peter Leighton-Jones, Head of Sustainability at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, explained the motivation behind the project: “It’s often said that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago and the second-best time is now. These trees will perform ecosystem services and provide invaluable social value for many decades to come.”
Multiple Benefits for Health and Environment
The new hedgerow at Pinderfields offers a wide array of benefits:
1. Improved air quality through absorption of pollutants like nitrous oxides and particulate matter
2. Noise reduction and wind protection
3. Flood prevention and soil erosion control
4. Temperature regulation, providing shade and reducing the ‘urban heat island’ effect
5. Enhanced biodiversity, creating habitats for various species
6. Carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation
The hedgerow consists of nine native broadleaf species, carefully selected to maximise biodiversity. This rich variety will support a diverse ecosystem of lichens, insects, birds and small animals, providing nesting sites, refuges and food sources.
Community Engagement and Volunteer Efforts
One of the most remarkable aspects of this project was the level of community involvement. Around 50 volunteers, including hospital staff and local residents, participated in several planting days throughout March 2024. This collaborative effort not only sped up the planting process but also fostered a sense of ownership and connection to the project.
Len Richards, Chief Executive at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, shared his experience: “I very much enjoyed taking part in the trust initiative to plant trees at Pinderfields. There was a great sense of camaraderie amongst the team of colleagues I joined, and it was particularly enjoyable to see the fruits of our labour at the end of the day.”
Lessons Learned and Tips for Other Healthcare Sites
For healthcare facilities considering similar initiatives, Pinderfields Hospital offers valuable insights:
1. Careful organisation and volunteer management are crucial, considering the varying abilities of participants.
2. Plan for potential setbacks like rainy days or low turnout.
3. Conduct thorough site preparation, including CAT scanning of the planting area if possible.
4. Develop a strategy for ongoing maintenance, including protection from encroaching growth and proper mulching.
A Model for the Future
The Pinderfields Hospital hedgerow project forms part of its Staff and Patient Greenspace Wellbeing Strategy – a five-year plan that demonstrates the trust’s commitment to improving biodiversity and developing therapeutic green spaces. It serves as an excellent model for other healthcare sites looking to enhance their environmental impact and community engagement.
By creating this hedgerow, Pinderfields Hospital is not just planting trees; it’s investing in the health and wellbeing of its staff, patients and the wider community. The project showcases how healthcare facilities can leverage their green spaces to provide multiple benefits, from improving air quality and reducing noise pollution to boosting biodiversity and creating tranquil spaces for recovery and relaxation.
As climate change and environmental degradation become increasingly pressing issues, initiatives like this one at Pinderfields Hospital highlight the crucial role that healthcare facilities can play in creating more sustainable and resilient communities.
Other NHS sites and healthcare facilities are encouraged to follow Pinderfields’ lead. Whether it’s planting a few trees or creating an entire hedgerow, every effort counts towards a greener, healthier future. By embracing such projects, healthcare sites can not only improve their immediate environment but also contribute to broader ecological and community health goals.
The success at Pinderfields Hospital proves that with vision, planning, and community involvement, significant environmental improvements are possible, even in busy healthcare settings. It’s a powerful reminder that when it comes to creating a healthier planet, every tree – and every healthcare site – can make a difference.