Planting the Seeds for a Greener Future
On our 130 acre campus, we are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a lush, green environment. The natural beauty of our space plays a huge role in the wellbeing of our occupiers, as it provides a peaceful, restorative atmosphere right outside their doors. But today, we’ve taken it one step further by planting over 200 new trees, further enhancing our green surroundings!
Together with our occupiers and a group of enthusiastic local volunteers, we embarked on a tree-planting initiative that will help make our environment even more vibrant and sustainable. The trees planted include a variety of Hazel and Crab Apple tree whips, which will gradually grow into strong, healthy trees that will contribute to the overall health of the area for years to come.
This effort is part of a larger green initiative supported by Portsmouth City Council and aligns with their adopted Greening Strategy, introduced in October 2023. The strategy aims to improve the health of residents while supporting climate resilience through nature-based solutions such as tree planting.
Why Trees Matter
The new trees being planted at Lakeside, along with the 150 street trees and over 2,000 whips being planted throughout Portsmouth this winter, are a vital part of the city’s green infrastructure. They aren’t just an aesthetic addition—they’ll have a real, positive impact on our environment.
As the trees grow, they will help:
- Improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
- Enhance health and well-being by providing natural green spaces that encourage relaxation and stress reduction.
- Support wildlife by offering habitat and food sources for birds, insects, and other creatures.
- Alleviate surface water flooding by absorbing rainwater and reducing run-off.
- Contribute to climate resilience by acting as a natural carbon sink, helping to lock up carbon and combat the effects of climate change.
It’s not just about the trees themselves, either. This initiative is a step toward a larger movement in Portsmouth—one that focuses on building a healthier, greener, and more sustainable city for everyone.
Collaboration with Local Volunteers
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing support of our occupiers and local volunteers who came together to help plant the trees. By involving the community in the process, we’re not only building a greener environment, but also fostering a sense of connection and shared responsibility for the space we inhabit.
We were able to come together, get our hands dirty, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that our efforts will create something beautiful for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As these trees begin to grow and mature, they’ll provide a range of benefits for our occupiers and the wider community. We’re excited that those working at Lakeside will have the opportunity to see the trees they planted thrive and flourish over time. There’s something special about knowing you’ve played a part in shaping the landscape around you!
With continued support from Portsmouth City Council and funding from the Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Treescape Fund, this tree-planting effort is just one of many steps toward a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future. And with more tree-planting initiatives planned across the city, we’re excited to see how these efforts will continue to grow.
A Green Legacy
Here at Lakeside, we’re committed to sustainability, and today’s tree-planting initiative is just one example of how we’re working toward a better future. We look forward to watching these trees grow, and to seeing how they contribute to a healthier, greener world for all.
If you’d like to join our thriving business community and work in our green environment here’s a link to our available spaces.
