We head to the Peak District to create the Bumper Forest

As part of our mission to become a carbon neutral business, we headed to the Peak District to plant maple, lime, aspen, birch and oak trees.

Organised by The Peak District National Park Foundation, twelve members of the team took part in planting the trees. After six long hours in the November rain and wind, the team had successfully planted 55 trees.

The process was simple. First, two wooden support poles were hammered into the ground. In the middle, a hole was dug, and a small tree inserted. The earth had to be closed and tightly packed around the roots to ensure oxygen was not present as this could reduce the chance of the tree’s success. To protect the tree from animals, a small plastic sheaf was wrapped around it, with a cane used for support and metal mesh secured on the outside.

Despite the cold weather, the team enjoyed the day. Hannah Fisher, Bumper Consumer Marketing Manager, said, “What's better than being out in the open air, socialising and getting a bit of exercise while planting some wonderful trees?

“I am very grateful for the opportunities we are given at Bumper to go and spend time volunteering alongside colleagues. We all need to contribute to looking after our environment and it's important that employers recognise this and allow their team members time to do their bit too.

"I look forward to seeing how those trees flourish!”

The threat of Ash Dieback

Ash Dieback disease is caused by an airborne fungus that spreads from tree to tree. Killing them from the top down, the infection weakens their structure making them likely to uproot. This can be unsafe for residents and visitors.

Climate change has only made the problem worse. Spring 2020, one of the warmest recorded, has left the Ash trees more prone to catching the disease and recent evidence suggests that in 10 to 15 years Ash Dieback disease will result in the death of 90% of Ash trees in the UK.

The aim of the Peak District National Park Foundation is to prevent the spread of the disease by removing infected trees to prevent the spread and restore the woodland areas by planting other native tree species such as Oak and Birch.

The Foundation

The Peak District National Park Foundation is a registered charity created to conserve the national park for future generations; preparing the area for a future climate and preserving and restoring natural habitats.

If you would like to help the foundation in their fight against Ash Dieback disease or their other important appeals you can find out more information or make a donation on their website.