LRG has further strengthened its sustainability efforts by supporting the planting of another 4,000 climate-resilient trees across the UK during 2024–25. Partnering with GreenTheUK and the Royal Forestry Society (RFS), this initiative marks another step in LRG’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity, building climate resilience, and supporting the communities it serves.
This tree-planting project aligns with LRG’s broader ESG strategy, which goes beyond carbon reduction to include practical investment in habitat restoration and nature recovery. In 2024, LRG retained its carbon-neutral status for the second consecutive year, eight years ahead of its 2030 target.
This year’s planting focused on restoring woodlands affected by disease, enhancing habitat diversity, and introducing a broader mix of native and climate-tolerant species. The project also reflects LRG’s wider ESG commitments, which include direct investment in biodiversity, as well as staff volunteering, community engagement and energy use reduction.
David Wilson, Group COO at LRG commented, “At LRG, planting these additional 4,000 trees reflects our conviction that businesses should play a direct role in enhancing the natural environment and supporting climate resilience. We're proud that our network of over 300 high street branches gives us a meaningful connection to local communities and the landscapes that surround them.”
Staff from across LRG have taken part in volunteer planting days, working alongside the RFS and local teams to establish and protect the new trees. This hands-on involvement helps bring LRG’s sustainability values to life, while strengthening ties with the places where its teams live and work.
The planting includes a mix of native broadleaf and carefully selected climate-resilient species to ensure long-term survival in the face of pests, disease and changing weather patterns. Each location is being managed with the support of the RFS to deliver ecological benefits and support local engagement.
Trees were planted across five counties, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire, Merseyside and London. With each site selected for its ecological potential and community value. From rural woodlands to urban green spaces, the projects introduced a diverse mix of native and climate-resilient species to boost biodiversity, restore woodland damaged by disease, and improve resilience to future environmental pressures. Each planting site was managed in partnership with the RFS, with strong local involvement including volunteers and community consultation.
The trees planted will contribute to carbon capture, soil stability, flood mitigation and wildlife recovery, while also improving public access to green space and contributing to mental and physical wellbeing. These benefits align with LRG’s focus on responsible growth and long-term community value.
This latest initiative builds on LRG’s earlier pledge to plant a tree for every home sold or let. Since the launch of that scheme in 2021, over 32,000 trees have been planted in partnership with GreenTheUK and the RFS, delivering measurable impact across both rural and urban areas.
By continuing to support reforestation and biodiversity through well-managed, science-led projects, LRG is playing its part in shaping a more resilient and sustainable future.
