Luxury Cotswolds hotel Tewkesbury Park has secured a £500,000 investment from Lombard for upgrading its plant room to include combined heat and power (CHP) in a move which the resort estimates will save it £100,000 per year in energy costs. This highly efficient process captures the heat created by electricity generation to meet its water and space heating requirements. Tewkesbury Park is a family-owned, luxury hotel resort and 18-hole golf course situated on the site of the 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury. The hotel hosts premium stays, golf and tennis trips, weddings and conferences, and also has an onsite spa and fitness centre. The business, which employs 134 people, is run by Linda McIntosh, with her son Chris McIntosh and daughter Claire White. They estimate that the use of combined heat and power will save 200 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide per year. Chris McIntosh, Managing Director at Tewkesbury Park Limited, said: “We are passionate about making our hotel more sustainable and setting a positive example that others in the hotel industry can follow. This investment from Lombard has allowed us to take a big step forward in this regard." “Due to space and listed building constraints, we were unable to install solar panels – but Lombard helped us find a solution that will allow us reduce our emissions and make huge costs savings, while increasing our security of supply with a system powered by LPG that can run even if the grid does not.” Jason Holness, Senior Relationship Manager at Lombard, said: “It was fantastic to work with the McIntosh family on this deal and help them to take a big step towards their sustainability goals, with the added benefit of saving them a lot of money in the long run." "One of our business aims is to provide financing options that encourage and empower businesses to improve their sustainability, and the Tewkesbury Park team embodies exactly what we’re trying to achieve.” The family discovered the neglected hotel in 2014 and, seeing its potential, purchased and refurbished it over a four-year period, adding a new events venue and bedrooms in the main house. For further assistance with their climate action plan, Tewkesbury Park has registered with NatWest’s Carbon Planner, a free tool providing businesses with tailored solutions to reduce their operational emissions. Commercial Director Claire is putting her luxury hotel experience to good use on new ITV game show The Fortune Hotel. Claire and husband Dan are competing for a £250,000 cash prize.

Popular Derbyshire farm shop Croots is once again taking part in Open Farm Sunday, giving visitors the chance to find out more about life on the farm. Being held on Sunday 9th June between 11am and 3.30pm and with free admission, it’s just one of a string of events that have been organised at the farm shop near Duffield over the next few months. The list includes Paws in the Paddock on 14th July, a fun dog event featuring classes, activities and stalls. A percentage of the profits will be donated to Angels Small Paws Dog Rescue. It also features a jewellery and watch valuation day by Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers (Derby) held 2pm-4pm on Wednesday 22nd May and a Pork Butchery Evening running 6pm-8pm on Thursday 23rd May. Kay Croot, who runs Croots Farm Shop in Wirksworth Road, said: “We have taken part in Open Farm Sunday for many years now and are looking forward to once again welcoming visitors to Farnah House Farm." “It’s a great day out for all the family and will include blacksmithing and sheep shearing displays, a self-guided farm walk and trail, meet the farmer, a static farm machinery display, Shire horse dray rides, a small animal petting area, competitions and more." “Open Farm Sunday is a national event managed by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), which began in 2006, and is a celebration of British farming. It gives visitors the chance to learn more about farming and the countryside, and farmers the chance to talk about British food and farming." “There’s lots of information on our website about all our events this spring and summer, which hopefully have something of interest to all. The events that we have held so far have been a great success, and our bushcraft sessions run by Robin of Shire Bushcraft have been so popular that they completely sold out.” Information about all events are on the Croots visit the website .

Three directors at a Hampshire accountancy firm have each gained an additional professional seal of approval based on their already extensive experience and qualifications. Michaela Johns, Andrew Kershaw and Gary Brown of Chandler’s Ford-based HWB have become members of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). It comes after they completed the ‘Pathways’ route to membership with ICAEW, which includes passing a rigorous examination of experience. Candidates are required to reflect on their experience over the last five years and demonstrate their professional skill in a number of areas. The HWB trio join 250 fellow ICAEW members from the UK who obtained membership through the Pathways route in the past year. HWB is one of only two small to medium sized accountancy practices in the whole of the UK to have had three candidates all make the grade through Pathways in that time. Praising HWB’s success, Doug Withington, Head of International Office at ICAEW, said: “For a single firm to have three team members proving successful at Pathways and joining us as members all at the same time is rare.” An experienced auditor, Michaela provides strategic input on development and growth for many owner-managed businesses, independent schools, academies and charities. She said: “Our profession is naturally highly regulated and there is a continual need to stay up to date with the complexities of tax rules, company law, ethics, best practice and professional guidance. “Following ICAEW Pathways and achieving the ACA designation provides Andrew, Gary and myself with the confidence to deliver to our clients on the essential accountancy, tax and finance advice they require, knowing we are up to date.” Andrew works with owner-managed businesses across a number of sectors including creative agencies and dentists and has particular expertise in online accounting. Gary is an experienced auditor, acting for a number of owner-managed businesses and groups, in addition to heading up HWB’s legal specialism team. Chartered accountants HWB, based at Chandler’s Ford near Southampton, provides business and tax advice.

The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is proud to announce successful funding for two local community dance initiatives, Legacy Dance Company and Partick Dancing Group. Legacy Dance Company, co-founded by Chloe Elliot and Hannah Johnstone, has been awarded £1,000 towards acquiring essential equipment for their new studio premises. This grant will support the purchase of mirrors and dance flooring, crucial for the proper functioning of their new location. The company, which provides dance education and a supportive community space for children, including those with autism and ADHD, has operated for two years. They serve the children of Ruchill and Lambhill and now find themselves outgrowing their original premises. Chloe Elliot expressed her delight at the donation, saying, "We would like to thank everyone involved at Allied Vehicles for giving us the opportunity to make our dreams come true!" “The funds awarded will allow us to purchase the proper materials needed to open our very own studio, which will give our students a new and bigger place to call their second home." "We are excited to give back to a community that we have lived in all our lives, and we can’t wait to offer more to the community by having this opportunity." “We can’t express enough how grateful we are that Allied Vehicles have appreciated the work that we are doing. From everyone involved at Legacy Dance Company, thank you." Partick Dancing Group, predominantly consisting of senior women, received £300 towards transport costs for an upcoming group trip. The group is about more than just cutting a rug on the dancefloor. It helps reduce social isolation among its members, many of whom live alone and rely on the group for much-needed social interaction. Cathie Connelly of Partick Dancing Group thanked the Trust for their help, "We are delighted to receive this award from Allied Vehicles,” she said, “We will use it to go on a trip in July when our dance sessions are off, which will allow us to keep in touch with each other over the summer break. Thank you so much!" David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, shared his thoughts on the importance of these groups, "At Allied Vehicles, we are passionate local community. We are happy to support both Legacy Dance Company and Partick Dancing Group. These groups do fantastic work in promoting activity and reducing isolation across generations. We’re happy we can help them extend their valuable services."

Leading supercar financier Apollo Capital has been shortlisted for two major prizes at this month’s prestigious Credit Strategy Car Finance Awards. The Harrogate-based finance broker, which specialises in the funding of luxury, classic, super and hyper cars has won through as a finalist in both the Best Broker and Best Specialist Car Finance Provider categories. Founded in 2020 by CEO Andy King and Managing Director, David Moss, Apollo has a strong track record of delivering specialist car funding requirements ranging from £50,000 up to multimillion pound cars, operating mainly for high net-worth private individuals, successful entrepreneurs, businesses and serial car collectors. The Credit Strategy Car Finance Awards celebrates the UK’s top lenders and brokers, as the best of the best in the motor finance sector gather to celebrate their success. Apollo CEO, Andy King, comments: “We are delighted and honoured to have been nominated alongside some high-quality businesses and businesspeople from within our ultra-competitive sector." “To actually be nominated twice is something very special indeed and validates the hard work and “To quality service that we look to provide on a daily basis to all of our clients.” The dual nomination comes in a month which also sees Apollo Capital nominated for a top award at the Harrogate Advertiser Business Excellence Awards on May 23. This year’s Car Finance Awards, which will see a total of 17 trophies up for grabs, will take place on Sunday, May 15 at The Monastery in Manchester. Among the panel of 10 industry-leading judges were Marsh Finance chief executive Andrew Marsh, Borderway Finance’s managing director Mike Deans and Oodle Car Finance founder Phillip Williams. To see a full list of the nominees, click here .

New legislation aimed at safeguarding consumers from hacking and cyber-attacks on smart devices has been implemented in the UK. Any device that connects to the internet, ranging from smart phones and TVs to watches and voice assistants, is now required to meet minimum security standards mandated by law. Under the new regulations, manufacturers are banned from using easily guessable default passwords, which are exploited by cyber criminals and often available on the internet. Leading Dorset-headquartered cyber-security company C3IA Solutions welcomes these regulations. Lucy Dalley, Security Consultant at C3IA, emphasised the significance of the laws. She said: “These regulations are a great first step in protecting consumers and businesses against cyber-attacks because effective security measures will already be implemented before the device is in the hands of the user." “As an NCSC-assured consultancy, C3IA recognises the importance of supply chain security to protect consumers and suppliers from falling victim to cyber-attacks. Cyber criminals still rely on human error as the most successful route in, so by increasing the security within your supply chain, it can help to reduce the risk of exposure to cyber-attack." “With 99 per cent of UK adults owning at least one smart device, the potential impact of cyber-attacks is significant. Smart devices are not only vulnerable to data breaches; if they have a camera or microphone, users are at risk of being spied on.” Recent research conducted by Which? underscored the vulnerability of smart devices, revealing that a home filled with them could be exposed to more than 12,000 hacking attacks from across the world in a single week. Lucy added: “Cyber-attacks are becoming more sophisticated and damaging. Smart devices have revolutionised the way we live and work, but many users are unaware of how vulnerable they are." “The implementation of these laws is a significant step forward in addressing cyber-security concerns surrounding smart devices. However, continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential in safeguarding against evolving cyber-threats." “The legislation only applies to new devices and it is only a first step in terms of cyber-protection." “We still very much advise that people ensure their devices are as secure as possible by the use of firewalls and anti-virus software, and businesses should have a minimum protection of Cyber Essentials in place.”

A multipurpose watersports centre on the shores of Windermere is celebrating the launch of its 40th summer season. The Watersports Centre at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is marking its ‘ruby’ anniversary this year. Having started life back in 1984 as a small service from the jetty offering boat hire for scenic trips on Windermere, it has become a modern hive of outdoor sports activity. When officially opened by the minister for sport in the mid-1980s, Only You by The Flying Pickets was No.1 in the pop charts and Steve Jobs was about to launch the Macintosh personal computer in the US. Recent years have seen the addition of popular water-based pastimes such as paddle boarding, wake surfing and knee boarding. But visitors can still enjoy a step back in time by hiring a traditional rowing boat or fulfilling their Swallows and Amazons ambitions in a sailing dinghy. General manager of Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Mark Needham: “The longevity, growth and popularity of our watersports facilities here are testament to the team’s commitment to providing our guests with a great deal of fun and laughter." “We’re very lucky in that not many Lake District venues benefit from their own private jetty and watersports facilities for guests to enjoy on the shoreline. Set against the backdrop of the Lakeland fells, it’s just a wonderful location for getting out on the water.” Sports activities on the water have always been an integral part of family life at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues. In the 1950s, Norman Buckley, the great, great uncle of current managing director Ben Berry, broke four world water speed records on Windermere in his own designed and built boats. The Watersports Centre at Low Wood Bay offers a broad range of watersports, boat and equipment hire and an experienced team of instructors for all ages and abilities. Whilst canoes and kayaks give guests a feeling of freedom to explore, it’s stand-up paddle boarding which has become one of the most popular modern activities in recent years. The Watersports Centre is also a recognised training centre with the Royal Yachting Association. For further information, visit  he re.

Mental Health Awareness Week (13th–19th May), the theme this year is ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’. What better way to get moving than getting out in our gardens and sprucing up our outdoor spaces? Gardening isn’t just a way to beautify your surroundings - there can be substantial benefits to your mental wellbeing too. The mental health charity, Mind, found that nearly two-thirds of UK adults (63%) say spending time gardening or in nature helps their mental health. Engaging in gardening activities can significantly reduce stress, improve your mood and enhance your overall sense of calm and satisfaction. Whether it's mowing the lawn, pruning your perennials, or simply enjoying the tranquillity of nature and the outdoors, each moment spent in the garden can contribute positively to your mental health. In this guide, Cheryl Harper, Managing Director of Greensleeves Lawn Care, discusses how getting moving in our gardens can give us a mental health boost. More than just a hobby Gardening is not only a delightful way to spend your spare time; it is also a great way of keeping active, getting outdoors and improving mental wellbeing. Working on the garden is an excellent full-body workout that incorporates both strength and endurance. There are so many fun green activities, making gardening an accessible form of physical activity. The very nature of gardening tasks, whether it's mowing, planting, or weeding, involves a range of movements that engage different muscle groups. Physical exercise, such as gardening, has been shown to reduce stress and enhance mental wellbeing too. This natural form of exercise helps in releasing endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators, which can lead to improvements in mood and reductions in feelings of stress or anxiety. In fact, in recent years, the NHS has started ‘prescribing’ gardening as part of the mental health services set out in the NHS Long Term Plan2. Connecting with nature Simply being around greenery and nature has been shown to help with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. The smells of fresh cut grass, blossoming flowers, or feeling the soil between our fingers all help us connect with nature. Gardening under the sunlight provides a great opportunity to soak up some vitamin D. This is essential for bone health, immune function and mental well-being. Vitamin D has been linked to improvements in mood and a reduction in depression symptoms, making gardening an excellent way to improve your physical and mental health simultaneously. Just remember to protect your skin with sunscreen and stay hydrated if you’re out for long periods of time. The rewards of growing the garden As well as enhancing the aesthetics of your surroundings, gardening can play a significant role in boosting self-esteem. The satisfaction derived from seeing a well-mowed lawn or a beautifully maintained garden cannot be overstated. It provides a tangible result for your efforts and labour, contributing to a deep sense of accomplishment and pride. Moreover, gardening offers endless learning opportunities. Whether it's mastering a new technique or understanding the specific needs of a plant species, each new piece of knowledge adds to your skills and confidence. This is especially encouraging for beginners, who can start with small, manageable projects and soon witness the fruits of their labour. The incremental successes in gardening can be incredibly rewarding, helping to boost satisfaction and morale. Quality time with family and friends Gardening is a fantastic activity that brings families together and is suitable for individuals of all ages. It provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn important life skills and understand the value of nurturing nature. The hands-on activities like planting seeds, watering plants and digging soil can be educational and enjoyable for children, offering lessons in responsibility and the cycles of nature. Community gardens serve as wonderful gathering spots that foster social interactions and build a sense of community. Participating in gardening projects allows us to meet new people and work collaboratively, enhancing social skills and creating a supportive network. You’ll often find people share not only their gardening skills but also their stories and experiences, promoting a collective spirit of cooperation and wellbeing. Breaking through the hustle and bustle In our increasingly fast-paced world, gardening offers a unique opportunity to step back from daily stresses, put down our digital devices, and engage at our own pace. This slower, more deliberate approach to tasks allows us to focus on the present moment and the task at hand, which can be incredibly therapeutic. The act of gardening itself – whether it’s deciding the layout of a flower bed or choosing which vegetables to plant – puts us in control. It's a personal retreat where we can restore a sense of order and create an environment that perfectly suits our needs and aesthetics. Lawn care is a crucial aspect of maintaining an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space, and we now understand how green spaces aren’t just for nature – they boost our mental health too. If you are looking to enhance the beauty and maintenance of your garden and want to learn more about the services offered by lawn care specialists Greensleeves, please visit here to learn more.

Political strategist Eddie Barnes has been announced as the new Director of the University of Glasgow’s John Smith Centre. He succeeds Professor Kezia Dugdalo who has joined the University's Centre for Public Policy as Associate Director. The John Smith Centre was established to inspire and empower new and diverse voices to engage with and enter British politics. Eddie brings substantial political experience to the role. Currently he is director of Our Scottish Future, set up by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown to promote devolution and reform of the UK. Prior to this, Eddie was Head of Strategy and Communications to Ruth Davidson, the former leader of the Scottish Conservative Party. He was also political editor of the Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday titles. Eddie is a graduate of the University of Glasgow. As Director, Eddie will lead on shaping and developing the Centre’s 10 year anniversary celebrations during 2024, as well as focusing on its internship programmes. Eddie Barnes said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be taking on this role at such an exciting moment in the country's public life." “Over the last decade, the John Smith Centre has been a beacon for a better type of politics, and has done a tremendous job introducing diverse voices and fresh perspectives to the public arena. I believe the political life remains the most absorbing and meaningful life you could hope to have. With the Centre marking its 10th anniversary this year, I’m looking forward to working with the brilliant team at the University of Glasgow to help strengthen our democratic system in Scotland and the UK, and to inspire more young people to claim a stake in our political future." Catherine Smith KC, co-founder and Chair of the John Smith Centre, said: “As we celebrate our 10th birthday and enter a period of growth at the John Smith Centre, we are thrilled to be doing this with Eddie Barnes taking over as our new Director." "He understands politics from all sides, and it is hard to think of anyone with better experience and skills to help us persuade people that politics matters to us all. Exciting times ahead for the Centre.” Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: “We are proud to have hosted the John Smith Centre for the past 10 years at the University of Glasgow and I am pleased that Eddie has been appointed at such a pivotal time for the Centre." "There is much to look forward to in the years ahead, and I know Eddie will bring a wealth of experience from working across the political spectrum to this role." “On behalf of the University I’d like to wish Eddie well as he takes on this venture and I very much look forward to advancing and deepening our partnership with the John Smith Centre, and working together to ensure our students continue to benefit from the fantastic programmes led by the Centre.” Eddie will commence the role of Director in July 2024.

Beer Cheer: Property consultancy Vail Williams, acting on behalf of Wimborne-based property developer Harry J Palmer Ltd, has let a detached unit at Stone Lane Industrial Estate, Wimborne, Dorset, to Eight Arch Brewing Co on a 10-year lease. From left, May Palmer of Harry J Palmer Ltd, Steve Farrell, Brewer and Founder of Eight Arch Brewing Co, and Bryony Thompson, a Vail Williams’ Associate. The business is named after the eight arches of historical landmark Julian’s Bridge in the minister town. An expanding brewery in Dorset has raised a glass to the future with a 10-year lease on a warehouse which has been transformed into a production centre and tap room. In a deal through property consultancy Vail Williams, Eight Arch Brewing Co signed up to 5,748 sq ft of space at Unit 1, Stone Lane Industrial Estate, Wimborne. Following a six-figure investment in equipment and fittings, part of the ground floor has been converted into a high-tech brewery, with a tap room for customers on Fridays and Saturdays at specified times, and seating areas inside and out. Eight Arch Brewing Co, named after the eight arches at nearby historical landmark Julian’s Bridge in Wimborne Minster, relocated from smaller nearby premises. Founded by brewer Steve Farrell in 2015, the business, which has pale ale Square Logic as a best seller, employs five people and sells beer primarily in and around the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conurbation. The detached two-storey building, with a mezzanine floor and previously occupied by emporium Toad Hall, is owned through the commercial property arm of Harry J Palmer Ltd, the Wimborne-based property developer. Steve said: “We are a Wimborne brewery owned and run by a Wimborne born and bred guy and we want to continue to grow from our Wimborne home. This signing of the 10-year lease on our new premises underlines our long-term commitment to Wimborne." “This is our third brewery in Stone Lane during ten years of Eight Arch with each move prompted by growing demand for our products and because of the popularity of our Tap Room." “The founding of Eight Arch represented the first time in 80 years that an independent brewery had made and sold beer in the town." “We’ve had an incredibly warm welcome from the local community since moving in and look forward to striking up more supplier partnerships with pubs, clubs and restaurants which champion ‘buy local’ and are also looking to reduce transport emissions and costs.” Vail Williams, which has its Dorset office in Bournemouth, advises on the commercial property interests of family-run housebuilder Harry J Palmer Ltd. Bryony Thompson, a Vail Williams’ Associate working out of the consultancy’s Bournemouth office, said: “The vacant warehouse at Stone Lane Industrial Estate serves as the ideal expansion location for Eight Arch Brewing Co." “Steve and his team have worked tirelessly to create bigger and better premise for their national award winning beers and Tap Room. " May Palmer of Harry J Palmer Ltd, which was established in 1938 in Wimborne and is a member of Dorset Chamber, said: “It’s lovely to see new life breathed into the vacant warehouse, creating new jobs, inward investment and doing our home town proud.” Eight Arch Brewing Co produces hop-forward pale ales to full-bodied stouts, winning awards in regional and national competitions held by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA). These include the IPA Corbel being named National SIBA Bitter & Strong Pale Ale Cask Champion in 2017, and Square Logic becoming National SIBA Session IPA Small Pack Champion 2020 and National SIBA Overall Small Pack Champion 2020. According to SIBA figures, there were 1,815 active brewers in the UK at the beginning of this year, with 211 in the South West, generating employment for 10,000-plus people.

Red Roses pair Megan Jones and Ellie Kildunne will join up with Great Britain Sevens women’s squad to aid their aspirations for the ongoing HSBC SVNS Series and the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Both players, who were influential in the Red Roses earning a third Guinness Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam in a row, have history in the 7s game. Leicester Tigers’ Jones travelled to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as a non-playing reserve before going on to win a Commonwealth Games bronze medal in 2018. The 50-plus capped England 7s player co-captained GB at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, scoring both tries in GB’s bronze medal match before returning to the XVs game as a Red Rose. Harlequins’ Kildunne, who took inspiration from the 2016 Rio team, enjoyed her first season of 7s in 2018/19 after scoring nine tries in eight matches for the Red Roses. She featured 39 times in an England 7s jersey and links up with the programme once again after a rich vein of scoring form in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations. The duo will be available for GB selection for the Madrid 7s (31 May-2 June). The transition from Red Roses and Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby duties into the 7s programme has been agreed and collaborated on with various stakeholders including the RFU, GB7s, Leicester Tigers, Harlequins and the RPA. RFU Head of Women’s Performance Charlie Hayter said: “It is important to support our players’ dreams and aspirations. They very much remain a part of our long-term Red Roses future and hold great ambitions in an England shirt." “The 7s provides a different stimulus from a mental and physical standpoint. We feel exposure on the 7s circuit will benefit their progression in a Red Roses shirt in the long run but also presents an opportunity for the players to put their hands up for selection at another major world event in a different environment." “It’s a good challenge for Meg and Ellie to make an impact in the GB environment over the next couple of months and give themselves a chance to compete in the short format of the game on the biggest stage." Ellie Kildunne said: “Joining up with the GB 7s squad is an incredible honour and an exciting opportunity to test myself with a new group of players. Competing at Paris 2024 would be a dream come true, and I'm determined to work hard to make it a reality." "I’m grateful to Quins for allowing me to take this opportunity. I’m already excited to be back with the group next season and can’t wait to support them for the rest of this campaign.” Megan Jones said: “It’s so exciting to join up with the talented GB 7s squad ahead of this summer’s Olympic Games. This side has a genuine shot of becoming the first female Great Britain rugby sevens team to win an Olympic medal and I would love to be part of that." "It has been a great year at Leicester Tigers and I'm grateful to them for allowing me to prepare for the Paris Olympics. I can't wait to be back with the squad next season and look forward to supporting the girls from afar with their remaining games!" Ciaran Beattie, Great Britain Sevens Head of Rugby & Women’s Head Coach, said: “We are delighted to welcome Meg and Ellie back into the 7s environment. Both have a background in 7s which has helped in their journey to date. Watching them play so well in England’s successful Six Nations campaign has been exciting to watch, knowing that they would be coming in to fight for a place in our Olympic squad. "It is an exciting few months coming up for GB 7s and we are delighted to have two of the best players in the world adding their experience to this.”

Surrey County Council has worked with residents and community groups to plant over 36,000 new trees across the county. The council remains on track to plant 1.2 million trees by 2030, marking one for every resident. Since the launch of the initiative in 2019, over 510,744 trees have now been planted across the county. This year, 1952 metres of new hedgerows have been planted during this year’s tree planting season, offering habitats for wildlife. A range of community projects have also been undertaken to support our ambitions to improve air quality and biodiversity. These include: A group of 180 community members came together to plant over 7300 hedgerow trees at Bocketts Farm to support birds, mammals and other wildlife. 42 trees were donated to Bronzefield Women’s Prison in Ashford and the tree Planting and Establishment team delivered a workshop to those women who were undertaking horticultural qualifications. 2625 native broadleaf trees were planted in The Priory C of E School in Dorking using an experimental planting technique, Miyawaki/Tiny Forest. This technique of dense tree planting restores naturally occurring native species and speeds up natural ecological succession. The new webpages have also been developed to include an interactive tree map, tree planting advice and tips for how residents can get involved. More details are available here . Marisa Heath, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, said, “I’m delighted that we are progressing our ambition to plant 1.2 million new trees in Surrey as we work to both meet net zero targets but also make our county as green and beautiful as possible." “This is not something we can deliver alone and we will continue to work with our partners and communities to achieve this target. I encourage residents to visit our new webpages to find out how they can get involved.“