That leaves us with one problem – where to plant the trees! In the past we’ve donated trees that have been planted in locations across Essex and London, from Abberton Reservoir near Colchester to Walthamstow Wetlands in north London.

Recently we teamed up with an Essex County Council funded project at Marsh Farm, Vange. The farm is a vital part of the Thames Gateway, home to the largest designated brownfield site in southern England, and which is intended to become a leading eco-region.

The Marsh Farm initiative aims to plant over 16,000 trees and we were delighted to fund 8,565 of the saplings (or whips), which are being used to restore hedgerows and create a natural habitat for wildlife. We also supplied 8,000 biodegradable guards, 565 ‘Tree Hugger’ biodegradable shelters, 565 tree stakes and 8,000 bamboo canes.

Paul Carroll and Trevor Baker recently visited Marsh Farm and met up with farm owner Alex Barnes and Harry Bryer from The Conservation Volunteers, the organisation being funded by ECC to manage the project.

We’re proud to support Marsh Farm and to forge yet more strong links with our local community, even if it means getting a bit muddy from time to time!