Matthew Mason of John Mason Printers in Skipton has expanded his tree planting initiative with 450 new trees, enlisting the help of Craven College students to plant them.
Inspired by his love of wildlife and the Yorkshire Dales, and to balance the ecological equilibrium of the family printing business, Matthew first started his project to plant a tree for every customer three years ago.
Simon Midgley, Manager of the Centre for Rural & Equine Studies at Craven College helps to co-ordinate the ongoing project which he believes gives the students a range of experience in the real world and helps to build links between the college and the community.
The first batch of trees, planted on land at Embsay belonging to Matthew’s neighbour, John Edwards, have now reached 12 foot high. In total the plot is now home to 2350 trees planted for the scheme which aims to restore some of our native deciduous woodland.
The trees are a varied mix of ten species including oak, hornbeam, sycamore, ash and beech as well as hawthorn, holly and blackthorn.
Matthew explains “Our customers are really interested in the scheme; it helps them to feel they are giving something back to the environment and we will be providing certificates to endorse their support in the initiative”.
Colin Speakman, Chairman of the Yorkshire Dales Society, whose magazine The Dales Review is currently printed by John Mason printers, said “There is little doubt that both for biodiversity and for reducing our Carbon Footprint, the Yorkshire Dales needs more native trees. We warmly applaud this project, by John Masons Printers, Corporate Members of the Yorkshire Dales Society, in making such a fine contribution to protecting the Dales and working with young people to achieve such a worthwhile aim.”