A COVENTRY orchard is branching out across Warwickshire after becoming too overpopulated with trees.
Leamington-based law firm Wright Hassall is on a mission to leave a positive environmental legacy by planting 175 trees during 2021 to mark its 175th birthday.
It will help the Coventry Peace Orchard, located in Coundon Hall Park, to plant more of its apple trees in various locations across Coventry and Warwickshire.
The Peace Orchard was founded by D-Day veteran Dennis Davison and, after he passed away in 2019, the orchard is now run by his daughter, Heather.
Dennis created the Peace Orchard as a way of honouring the legacy of those who fought in D-Day, and to give younger generations the opportunity to transform themselves and their local communities through the promotion of peace and charitable acts.
Now, Wright Hassall’s staff will be helping the Peace Orchard spread its message by planting the new trees, including at the Mary Ann Evans Hospice, Evergreen School, sites run by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, and many more.
Heather said: “We are thrilled that Wright Hassall is committed to helping charitable causes such as ours as part of its 175th anniversary celebrations.
“Not only does planting trees help the environment, but Wright Hassall choosing to plant our trees in other locations will spread the message of the Peace Orchard across the region.
“They are the perfect partner to help spread our message – and share our trees – all over Coventry and Warwickshire.”
The Peace Orchard was introduced to Wright Hassall by Leamington organisation Make Good Grow, who match projects from charities and community groups with skilled volunteers based on their business expertise.
Helena Harpham, Community Manager of Make Good Grow, said: “I had already spoken to Heather at the Peace Orchard and knew they were looking to spread beyond Coundon Hall Park.
“I later saw that Wright Hassall were looking to plant 175 trees for their 175th anniversary, so it made sense to put them in touch with the Peace Orchard.
“I’m really happy they decided to help each other – the Peace Orchard is a really positive initiative and Wright Hassall will be helping them reach more people.”
Sarah Perry, Managing Partner, at Wright Hassall, added: “When we heard about the Peace Orchard from Helena at Make Good Grow, we knew it was the perfect charity for us to work with. Their message of promoting peace and transforming lives really struck a chord with us.
“We wanted to leave a lasting legacy of our 175-year celebrations and support our local environment’s development with our tree planting campaign. Our work with the Peace Orchard not only does that, but spreads its message all over the region.
“I’d like to thank Heather for working with us to help us achieve our tree planting goal, and Helena for introducing us to the Peace Orchard in the first place.”
Visit www.wrighthassall175.co.uk to get involved in Wright Hassall’s 175th anniversary celebrations and go to www.peaceorchard.co.uk for more information on the Peace Orchard.
The Make Good Grow scheme can be found at www.makegoodgrow.com.
