BDB Pitmans joins ‘Trees for Reading’ initiative

By Sam Pither

16 August 2022

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BDB Pitmans, which has offices in Reading and Southampton has announced it has partnered with not-for-profit social enterprise Ethical Reading on their ‘Trees for Reading’ initiative.

The initiative, supported by Reading Borough Council and Reading Tree Wardens, offers local organisations the opportunity to fund the planting and care of trees.

So far, BDB Pitmans’ donation has been used to fund the planting of:

Two maidenhair trees (Ginkgo biloba) – one in the rewilding area of Henley Road Cemetery and one at Redlands Primary School;
Two ornamental pear trees (Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’) – one outside Evans Cycles, just opposite BDB Pitmans’ Reading office, and one on Bennet Road;
Two river birches (Betula nigra) at County Lock, behind the office; and
A Swedish whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia) next to the play area at Kensington Road Recreation Ground

Andrew Smith, Managing Partner at BDB Pitmans commented: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to give back to the local community as part of the Trees for Reading initiative, continuing our mission to ‘build better’ by enhancing the environment and taking steps to support the wellbeing of Reading’s residents.

“Funding the planting of these trees allows us to play a small part in making the town greener, healthier and happier as well as creating a lasting legacy for the future.”

Trees for Reading sees young trees (12 to 14cm around the trunk and 3 to 3.5m tall) planted in carefully chosen spots designed to maximise their impact.

The goal is to focus the newly planted trees in areas which most need them, such as around the town centre, schools and deprived neighbourhoods, with further trees spread out across the Reading area.

It aims to plant more trees in built-up areas, improving both air quality and the mental and physical wellbeing of people living in or travelling through them, while offering businesses the opportunity to engage and work in their local communities.

Planting new trees also creates new habitats for wildlife, further increasing their environmental impact.

Kathryn McCann, Trees for Reading lead at Ethical Reading, said: “We’re grateful to BDB Pitmans for not only agreeing to join Ethical Reading as a Partner but also making such a generous contribution to our tree-planting initiative at the same time.

“These trees have been added in locations badly in need of more canopy cover and will make a significant difference to the way the areas look and feel, as well as well as helping to improve air quality and providing habitats for wildlife.”

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.