Volunteers help RSPB plant oak and alder saplings at Dove Stone nature reserve

Vernon Building Society colleagues will plant more than 2,200 trees with RSPB in 2024

Volunteers from the Vernon Building Society are out in force planting oak and alder tree saplings at the RSPB site at Dove Stone nature reserve this National Tree Week (November 23 to December 1) as part of the Vernon’s 100 year anniversary.

Nine employees will spend two days planting the trees at the reserve to help increase biodiversity, slow water run-off and reverse the effects of climate change.

Vernon employees first visited Dove Stone Nature Reserve in February 2023 and have since planted around 2,200 trees as part of the building society’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the community.

Next year Vernon volunteers hope to continue supporting the RSPB again.

One option under consideration is a peatland restoration project at Dove Stone to help deal with the climate crisis.

Steve Fletcher, CEO at Vernon Building Society, said: “So far, we’ve had 21 colleagues planting trees at Dove Stone and they’ve thoroughly enjoyed the small part they’ve played in helping the planet and the local area.

“We’re aiming to provide 100 days of paid volunteering during our centenary year.

"Colleagues can choose from a wide range of opportunities to help in as many different areas of our community as possible, from decorating community premises to distributing food to the homeless.

"With tree planting, volunteers get to spend time outdoors in nature in the beautiful Peak District so it’s a very popular choice for our team.”

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