A WASTE and recycling company has planted 8,000 trees to mitigate its carbon footprint.

Fresh Start Waste Services in Astley made the announcement in partnership with Forest Carbon, who lead the way nationally in voluntary carbon woodland creation.

The alder, oak, birch and sycamore trees will capture more than 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of 12 months’ worth of emissions from the company’s fleet of trucks.

Fresh Start’s chief executive officer Nicola McGrath recently visited the new woodland in Cumbria for the official unveiling of the company’s signage – accompanied by Commercial Director Colin Harvey.

“We already take positive steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions as far as we can,” said Nicola.

“Partnering with Forest Carbon has finished the job – ensuring the remaining balance is now fully captured.

‘It is extremely rewarding to know that Fresh Start is helping to create a beautiful, natural home for the local wildlife, as well as taking a responsible approach to managing our impact on the environment.”

Fresh Start recently won the regional category of The People’s Choice Family Business of the Year Award.

The fast-growing company agreed to sign up to the Forest Carbon scheme after meeting Co-Founder and Director Stephen Prior at an industry event.

Stephen, who is a member of the UK Woodland Code Advisory Board, added: “In addition to capturing CO2, a UK woodland also delivers other local and tangible benefits for biodiversity, landscape, flood management, water quality and recreation.

‘We’d like to thank Fresh Start Waste Services for committing to improve the fabric of the planet and the country, as well as taking early action on climate change.”

Since 2006, Forest Carbon have planted more than eight million trees in over 150 new UK woodlands with the support of partners such as Fresh Start. The woodlands are all independently audited and certified under the UK Woodland Carbon Code, which provides assurance around the carbon savings achieved.

“This voluntary investment shows that we are accountable for our actions and committed to leading the way in waste management,” said Nicola.

“All our customers, partners and staff can take pride in knowing that this woodland exists and that we will be continuing to add to it as our company grows.”