A major new partnership has been announced between the charity Trees for Cities and sben member Water Plus, which has its main office in Staffordshire.

It will see hundreds of trees planted which, amongst other benefits, will help improve air quality by capturing CO2, as well as contribute to managing surface water run-off in the UK, which can cause more flooding.

The partnership is part of Water Plus’s commitment on taking positive action to help the environment and raise awareness about steps to help protect natural resources for the future, reduce water waste and water stress and management. Initially, more than 90 trees will be planted in urban areas with high levels of pollution in England – with more work planned between the two organisations for later this year and next year.

 And Water Plus, which has it’s main office in Stoke-on-Trent, is appealing for people to get in touch through social media if they have a suggestion of a business, community group, farmer, or other organisation in areas that see high levels of rainfall each year – including Staffordshire – and say how trees would benefit their area.*

People can do this by commenting on Water Plus social posts on the partnership and tree-planting on Twitter and LinkedIn – or by sending a private message to Water Plus through Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook or email hello@water-plus.co.uk with the subject heading #NominateforTrees. Let Water Plus know by 28 September 2021.

 Rory Field, Partnerships Director at Trees for Cities, said: “It’s brilliant to partner with Water Plus as they lead the way on sustainability and raising the profile of actions organisations – and all of us – can take to give a boost to the environment all around us. Tree planting is a critical part of helping meet the challenges of Climate Change with the amazing thing being they reduce air pollution, increase bio-diversity, manage and reduce excess surface water and flooding – as well as even cool the air!”

 Andy Hughes, Chief Executive of water retailer Water Plus, said: “We’re committed to making sustainability and minimising our environmental impact core to our business, our people and our customers and our new partnership with Trees for Cities is just a part of what we’re doing on this. We’ll be saying more on the action we’re taking later this year – so watch out for more.

“We value the natural environment and natural resources and know the importance of trees to not only the fight against climate change but also natural habitats and the eco-system. And we’re delivering our Commitment to the planet through the technical water services we provide, along with raising awareness around water waste and savings from efficiencies – whether it’s a small or large organisation.

“Amongst our range of services is data loggers on water meters and an online portal to track consumption more closely and identify opportunities and waste, which have helped to increase water efficiency.”

Water Plus is also exploring and trialing innovative technology this year at its main office to help reduce mains water use and as part of its approach and Commitment to minimise its impact on the environment.

Trees for Cities are the only UK charity working at a national and international scale to improve lives by planting trees in cities.

 *Water Plus will review all suggestions submitted through social media and by email to hello@water-plus.co.uk and consider how the sites might be suitable and involved in tree-planting. Suggestions for sites (on social media or be email to hello@water-plus.co.uk) does not guarantee trees would be planted. Water Plus will work with Trees for Cities around plans for where any trees, as part of the new partnership, may be planted.

Suggested sites can be in England, Scotland or Wales and would also need to agree to providing photos, details and access for external use by Water Plus online and in print. The deadline for suggestions is 28 September, 2021. Trees will be planted in towns and cities. Suggestions submitted will be reviewed by Water Plus and any decision by Water Plus is final.

Initially more than 340 trees will be planted through the new partnership between Water Plus and Trees for Cities.

Water Plus’s tree-rrific support for the environment so far:

• Supporting The National Trust’s Plant a tree fund in 2021, creating 2,023 square metres of woodland and supporting their goal of putting an extra 20 million trees into the soil to help provide spaces for people to enjoy, remove pollutants from the air and provide homes for birds, insects, mammals. This sees 220 trees being planted by The National Trust from November 2021.
• In 2020, Water Plus provided funding for 150 trees to be planted – by providing saplings to schools and communities.

The areas in England where the initial 94 trees will be planted through Trees for Cities, does not include the London area.

More information around the steps to take and what to consider when it comes to water efficiency for businesses and other organisations can be found at: https://www.water-plus.co.uk/fresh-thinking-hub and at: https://www.water-plus.co.uk/help-and-support/efficiency-and-saving-money/sustain-and-gain

Further information on the support and things for businesses to consider around Covid-19, can be found at: https://www.water-plus.co.uk/news-and-events/coronavirus-steps-were-taking-to-help