On Saturday, around 60 volunteers braved the cold to plant a variety of trees at the hospital in South Shields.
The trees were donated by NHS Forest, which is run by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (CSH). This initiative started in 2009 and has seen more than 100,000 trees planted on or near NHS sites.
Several types of trees were planted, including Dogwood, Field Maple, Hawthorn, Crab Apple, Bird Cherry, Rowan and Hazel.
The tree planting supports South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust’s sustainability commitment as well as its aim to reduce its impact on the environment.
The trees will create a greener space for patients, visitors, and staff and play an important role by storing carbon to benefit the wider environment.
Once grown, these trees will create a natural barrier between the hospital and the John Reid Road. Helping to reduce the noise pollution and absorb emissions from the road.
In the future, many of the trees will blossom, providing an important nectar supply for insects and fruit for wildlife.
Ryan Swiers, Public Health Consultant and Sustainability Lead at STSFT, said: “We’re committed to creating a cleaner and greener environment for our staff and our patients. This work forms part of the Trust’s green plans, improving biodiversity and helping us move towards the NHS carbon reduction targets.
“I’d like to thank everyone who was involved in this project. As well as everyone who volunteered on the day. There was a real sense of community and it’s so rewarding to know we’ve contributed to something that will benefit future generations.”
Coun Ruth Berkley, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence (pictured with Ryan Swiers), said: “We all recognise the power of nature to improve our environment and enhance our wellbeing and this project supports our vision for South Tyneside to be a place where people live healthy, happy, and fulfilled lives. We also welcome the Foundation Trust’s commitment to sustainability, supporting our wider action on climate change.”
The project was carried out in collaboration with Choice, STSFT’s subsidiary company. Robertson Group donated boots for volunteers and provided welfare facilities on the day.
Wyn Construction excavated and prepared the ground and MES Construction dug the holes for each tree. Southern Green also who helped with the landscape strategy and planting proposals.
Around 60 volunteers helped to plant the trees, including STSFT staff and their families and STSFT volunteers. Volunteers also attended from Natural England, Ryder Architecture, P&HS Architects, Cad 21, Turner & Townsend, Jasper Kerr, Southern Green and Robertson Group.
