105 native British trees were planted in the grounds of the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven with the help of children from local schools. The native British trees, which were provided free of charge by the Woodland Trust, will enhance the environment and offset carbon emissions. The trees were selected to ensure colour throughout the seasons, and include a royal oak for each hospital site along with a mix of hazel, birch, rowan, cherry and dogwood.
North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust joined the NHS Forest project to promote a commitment towards sustainable healthcare and to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. 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.
Jan Wharton, head of resilience and sustainability for the trust, 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.”