Harrogate International Centre

Release Date: 10th April

As part of their new Corporate Social Responsibility Charter HIC, (Harrogate International Centre), commissioned the planting of 10,000 whips at Iron Gates Field, next to the Rotary Wood at the Pinewoods in Harrogate.

 

Ten native species, nine of which were native to that postcode, were selected for the planting and include Common Alder, Scots Pine, English Oak, Hawthorn, Rowan, Downy Birch, Hazel, Field Maple, Ash and Aspen. The Scots Pine was selected so as to continue the theme of the Pinewoods itself.

 

Stuart Quin, HIC Director, explained, "At HIC we felt we wanted to do something for the community and as a town known throughout Europe for its flora the tree planting scheme seemed to fit the bill. Everyone will benefit over a lot of years as the trees grow and mature. A natural habitat will also result from the establishment and maturing of this planting scheme. Species such as field mice, insect species, vertebrates and invertebrates, bats, fungi and wild flowers, will all hopefully flourish in the new planted area over the coming years".

 

He continued, "Funding for this scheme is linked proportionately to client spend. We see it as vital that money is re-invested both on and off our site for active environmental initiatives.  The green agenda is very high in the mind-sets of our event organisers and it is right that they demand both a sustainable venue and destination."

 

Event Director with BBEH, the British Bridal Exhibition, Wendy Adams, who also lives in the district commented, "We support Stuart's sentiments as when we seek venues for our events, we not only look for quality of service and a venue to suit our needs, but look to a venue which has strong green ethics and a long term commitment to sustainability."

 

Public access to the wood is from Harlow Moor Road and also from the Pinewoods.