Tree Planting at Maxpack’s Head Office

The planting of trees is a simple yet effective way of combating climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen, thereby helping to purify the air we breathe. Additionally, trees provide a habitat for wildlife and contribute to the overall health and well-being of the planet.

As part of a team effort, planting trees was a team-building activity that brought employees together and fostered a sense of camaraderie. Team Maxpack worked together to plant trees, to create a sense of shared purpose and accomplishment, helping to build a strong company culture.

Maxpack’s decision to plant trees at our head office is a commendable move towards a greener future. The trees will not only enhance the beauty of the surroundings, but will also provide a range of environmental benefits.

The Austrian Pine is one of many species of coniferous trees belonging to the Pinus genus. It is commonly known as Pinus nigra Austriaca and is native to Austria and other parts of Europe, including the Balkans and the Caucasus. However, it has been widely planted as an ornamental tree in many other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand (and Maxpack’s HQ).

According to the Woodland Trust (2023), the Austrian Pine has several notable features. When young, it has a dense and conical crown, but it becomes more irregular as it ages. Its needles are dark green, stiff and grow in pairs, and its cones are brown and typically measure 7-15 cm (3-6 inches) in length.

The Austrian Pine is a hardy tree that can grow up to 40 metres (130 feet) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 metre (3.3 feet). It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay soils, and can grow in both dry and moist conditions. Moreover, it is also known to be resistant to many pests and diseases, making it a popular choice for landscaping purposes.

Apart from being a popular ornamental tree, the Austrian Pine is also used for various purposes. The tree’s wood is used in the production of timber, paper and other wood products. Its resin is extracted and used in the production of turpentine and other chemicals, and its needles are sometimes used to make herbal teas and other natural remedies.

Pictures from the day…

Why plant trees?

According to The Forestry Commission (2022), the following benefits of planting trees consist of:

• Soil nutrients are maintained, as run-off losses are reduced up to 80%.
• Enhances air quality, with trees absorb harmful gases.
• 400+ tonnes of carbon are captured per hectare.
• Trees support 200+ species of animals and plants.
• The flow of stormwater is reduced, as under woodland infiltration is 60 times higher compared to grass.
• Tree roots stablilise riverbanks by combining the soil, thus reducing soil erosion.
• Trees reduce the risk of flooding, saving around £6.5 billion annually. Tree root systems of trees facilitate a faster infiltration of water into the soil, both underneath and around the trees, allowing it to reach greater depths. Trees also act as a canopy, intercepting rainfall with their leaves, branches, and trunks, delaying the time for rainfall to hit the ground and allow for a chance to evaporate back into the water cycle (Woodland Trust, 2023).

Research earlier this year, discovered that Great Britain’s trees generate more than £400 million in benefits. In terms of flood regulation services, the combined value of trees, forests, and woodlands is estimated at £843 million per year when compared to bare soil, and £420 million per year when compared to grass (Forest Research, 2023).

Why act now?

Woodlands provide a diverse and unique habitat that hosts thousands of species. From the tips of trees’ flourishing canopies to their extensive network of underground roots, mammals, birds, invertebrates, plants, lichens, and fungi rely on the varied structure of woodlands. Trees not only support wildlife, but they also help sustain healthy ecosystems, regulate climate, and protect soils, playing a significant role in aiding nature’s recovery.

Creating more woodlands will enable us to restore and reconnect England’s wooded landscape, which currently covers only 10% of our land, compared to the European average of 40% forest cover. By creating larger wooded habitats, we can expand and connect crucial wildlife corridors on a transformative scale, with each and every tree giving nature a fighting chance to recover.

Biodiversity is facing a crisis, with one million species globally on the brink of extinction. Nature is under increasing pressure from population growth, industrial pollution, intensive land use, and climate change, resulting in the decline and fragmentation of our natural habitats. The UK is now considered one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries, with over 40% of species declining, including many important insect pollinators. To support nature’s recovery on a transformative scale, we can protect, restore and expand existing woodland habitats, which are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species (Forestry Commission, 2022).

At Maxpack, we are committed to helping organsiations on their journey to becoming more sustainable.