A site in Measham has been chosen as Top UK clothing brand FatFace planted the first trees as part of an innovative partnership with the National Forest Company.

The scheme will see the planting of 60,000 trees that - as they grow - will store carbon for the next 75 years.

The partnership has enabled the National Forest and FatFace to develop an innovative business model that supports both carbon reduction and storage.

Will Crumbie, chief executive of FatFace, said: "This project is an important cornerstone of the FatFace strategy to become carbon neutral by 2025.

"The National Forest Company is a great, like-minded partner where we have managed to create something that will make a meaningful long-term change to the environment."

John Everitt, chief executive of the National Forest Company, added: "It's exciting to work with a company like FatFace that is committed to not simply ticking a box on carbon, but to use the opportunity to support the creation of a new woodland, benefiting wildlife and communities for generations to come.

"It is vital that businesses – that we all – consider carbon reduction first, and offsetting second."

FatFace's tree planting initiative involves planting 60,000 trees on 40 hectares at Minorca Woods, a new area of woodland creation extending over a total of 150 hectares at Measham.

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The site has been restored following deep mine activity throughout the 20th century and more recently open cast mining.

As this new large area of woodland and other habitat develops it will connect with established existing woodland nearby to create larger and more connected areas where wildlife can thrive.

Minorca Woods lies close to the River Mease Special Area of Conservation and as well as benefitting woodland species directly, the tree planting will also help reduce agricultural runoff into this internationally important watercourse.

Trees dedicated by individuals will also be planted at Minorca Woods over the coming years.

You can dedicate a tree in recognition of someone special or as a gift HERE.