Cumberland Infirmary joined the NHS Forest in 2012 planting 52 trees.
105 native British trees will be planted in the grounds of the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven this week with the help of children from local schools.
North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust has joined the NHS Forest project to promote a commitment towards sustainable healthcare and to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The native British trees, which have been provided free of charge by the Woodland Trust, will enhance the environment and offset carbon emissions. The trees have been selected to ensure colour throughout the four seasons for the year and will include a royal oak for each hospital site and a mix of hazel, birch, rowan, cherry and dogwood.
Jan Wharton, the trust’s Head of Resilience and Sustainability, said “It is a wonderful opportunity to involve the children from the local community with our hospitals. The tree planting will provide a sustainable legacy and memories for the children. Whenever they visit or pass the hospital grounds in years to come, they will associate the tree planting and Diamond Jubilee with their contribution to a greener legacy.”
The trust is striving to become greener and more carbon efficient for the future and to protect Cumbria’s environment. In 2011, the trust made significant progress by reducing its carbon emissions by 34 tonnes.
The trust is actively working to improve its standing as a significant user of transport, energy, water and waste processing services. In partnership with the Carbon Trust, the trust has identified key areas for intervention, with 17 projects, delivering efficiency savings and sustainable carbon management.
In addition to these projects, the trust has implemented and maintained the Cycle to Work scheme, the introduction of video teleconferencing to reduce travel and the recycling of paper, glass, metal and cardboard.