NTW Solutions has again worked with the NHS Forest to plant 300 more trees on our main hospital sites for Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW). This is part of our commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable environment and follows extensive tree planting in previous years.

Last year we planted 200 trees across some of our main sites which follows the planting of over 1000 trees since 2021. The trees are selected for their suitability to the local environment and to the conditions on each site and this year include oak, birch, and alder.

The tree planting is part of the delivery of our Green Plan which sets out our ambition to become carbon net zero. Not only do trees improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen but green spaces have been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and promoting general wellbeing.

The benefits on wellbeing are particularly significant as CNTW provides a range of mental health, learning disability and neurological care services and improvements to our green spaces benefit patients, staff and visitors alike. Working alongside clinical staff from CNTW patients were involved in the planting of the trees this year.

The NHS Forest is a national project that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of staff, patients, and communities by increasing access to green spaces on NHS sites. By planting trees and creating woodlands, the NHS Forest helps to enhance biodiversity, support wildlife, and provide therapeutic environments for everyone.