50 trees planted at Royal Stoke to create new woodland area

50 trees have been planted at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) creating a new woodland area for the benefit of patients, staff and local wildlife.

A mix of cherry blossom, silver birch and sorbus trees have been planted in a previously unused grassy area at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

The project was made possible thanks to funding from the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (CSH) programme.

Ricky O’Leary, Project Support Manager in UHNM’s Sustainability Team said: “We were delighted to receive funding from the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare which has enabled us to create this new woodland area, helping us to improve both the wellbeing of patients and staff as well as biodiversity on site.

“UHNM is committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment, and recognises the part it plays in wellbeing, improving patient recovery rates and patient experience, particularly within mental health. Managing our green spaces effectively can also enrich biodiversity, improve air quality and reduce noise on site.”

Glyn Tunstall, Head Gardener at the Royal Stoke University Hospital added: “In time these trees will establish themselves and become a valuable haven for local wildlife, bringing bees, butterflies, and other pollinators back onto site.

“We were grateful to receive CSH funding for this project which shows UHNM are environmentally conscious, improving the Royal Stoke site for the benefit of staff, patients and visitors.”