As 2023 has drawn to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the strides we’ve made in our commitment to giving back to our community and making a positive impact on the environment. An initiative we are incredibly proud to contribute to is 1% for the planet, an international organisation that accelerates environmental giving. Through 1% for the planet this year we have donated to three chosen charities Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Ground Work and The Royal Countryside Fund. 

In addition to our donation at Warner House, we believe that preserving the beauty of our natural world is a responsibility we all share, and throughout the past year, our team has been dedicated to supporting various local environmental initiatives by stepping away from desks and participating in voluntary work.

Our volunteering journey began at Bickley Hall Farm, the idyllic headquarters of the Cheshire Wildlife Trust have a mission to transform designated areas within their enchanting plant nursery. We potted on indigenous hawthorns, hornbeams, field maples and knapweeds as part of the Trust’s meadow creation project which aims to generate new native woodland in line with the government’s ambitious tree planting targets, whilst fortifying local genetics.

Our hope is that the 1,500 saplings we planted during our time at the farm will contribute to the foundation of a thriving new ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and an environment in which our native wildlife can once again flourish.

In September, the Warner House team paid a visit to Hatchmere Nature Reserve which is part of the Cheshire Wildlife Trust. Part of a five-year project, in 2020 a pair of beavers were released into a 10-acre ‘beaver-proof’ enclosure in the hope they would help to restore the surrounding wetland ecosystem, and in Summer the beaver pair welcomed three new kits.

Our donation has enabled the Trust to reach their overall fundraising target as they work to maintain and improve the beavers’ habitat, monitoring the health of the beavers and other wildlife at Hatchmere including birds, bats, aquatic invertebrates, and rare plant life. We visited the beaver enclosure to see the work of the appeal first-hand, during our enclosure tour we saw the incredible impact the beavers have had so far, raising water levels through their dams, and re-establishing Hatchmere’s precious wetlands.

We finished the year armed with gloves, shovels and a passion for greenery as our team visited Salford’s Peel Park. Peel Park holds the distinction of being the first public park in the United Kingdom funded entirely by the people's subscription. More than a serene green space, it stands as a symbol of unity, offering a free haven for all Salford residents to enjoy.

We planted over 100 green foliage in an area of the park that was lacking life, these will transition into vibrant flowers as the seasons change. Additionally, we helped to create a tree nursery, helping to produce healthy and well-established tree seedlings that can be later transplanted into permanent locations around the park. With the help of the wonderful staff and consistent volunteers, these efforts preserve this cherished green space in the heart of the city for future generations.

Looking ahead, we're excited about the possibilities that the coming year holds. Continuing our annual donation and regular team volunteering days, as well as being committed to reducing our carbon footprint, sourcing responsibly and as close to home as possible. If you are interested in reading more about our own environmental commitments, you can view our Sustainability Policy here.