Sainsbury’s has announced the launch of a new agroforestry initiative in collaboration with the Woodland Trust as the two organisations celebrate 20 years of partnership.
Agroforestry is the integration of trees, hedges, and shrubs into farming systems, providing benefits such as shade and shelter for animals and crops, improving biodiversity and soil structure, while reducing soil erosion and capturing ammonia from the atmosphere.
The Woodland Trust will work with farmers and growers that supply Sainsbury’s, offering in-person support to create planting plans tailored to their farming systems. With only an estimated 3.3% of the UK’s farmed area currently practising agroforestry—less than half the European average—the project aims to boost agroforestry adoption and help farmers integrate trees effectively while maintaining other essential land services.
The resources provided by the Woodland Trust will complement Sainsbury’s collaboration with Land App and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. This collaboration will enable farmers to map their land, helping to identify the best areas for food production and habitat creation, ensuring that they have all the tools necessary to make decisions that benefit both their businesses and the environment.
Starting in the North West and South West of England, Sainsbury’s suppliers involved in the initiative will gain direct access to tailored advice on integrating trees on their land, aiming to build resilient practices while simultaneously helping to protect soils, rivers, and the climate.
Since 2004, Sainsbury's has supported the Woodland Trust through its free-range Woodland eggs by contributing 1p for every dozen eggs sold. Woodland Trust experts provide Sainsbury’s suppliers with essential advice on tree species and design, ensuring that trees cover at least 20 per cent of the hens’ habitat, allowing the hens to roam freely in the shade and protection of the woods. Other products in the retailer's Woodland range that raise funds for the Trust include free-range chicken and turkey, Best of British apples, as well as bags for life and greeting cards.
Sainsbury’s has raised over £14 million for the Woodland Trust since the start of their partnership and has been funding tree packs for schools and communities to plant in their local areas since 2009. Over 15 million saplings have been planted as a result of this flagship scheme, creating shade and green spaces for local communities where they are needed most.
In July 2023, Sainsbury’s reached the milestone of planting five million trees through the partnership, helping to protect over 2,000 acres of woodland across the UK. The retailer has committed to planting an additional 1.5 million trees by 2025, supporting the Trust in engaging thousands of communities and helping them reconnect with nature.
The Woodland Trust has supported Sainsbury’s farmers in planting trees on their land since the partnership began in 2004. In 2020, Sainsbury’s became the lead sponsor of the Woodland Trust’s ‘Trees for your Farm’ scheme, which provides advice and funding support to help farmers establish agroforestry systems across the UK.
More recently, Sainsbury’s donated £200,000 to the Woodland Trust towards its ongoing restoration of rare ancient woodland in Northern Ireland’s Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This investment will fund the removal of invasive species at Mourne Park, the planting of native trees, and the creation of wildlife habitats in 73 hectares of woodland, ensuring the long-term protection of the site. Previously closed to the public for 500 years, the reopening and conservation of Mourne Park has improved access to the site, allowing local communities to explore welcoming pathways and trails to connect with the woodlands.
Ruth Cranston, Director of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability at Sainsbury’s, said: “Over the past two decades we’ve worked closely to support the Woodland Trust, and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to achieve since we started work together 20 years ago; together we’ve transformed landscapes in the UK through tree planting, providing so many positive impacts as a result – from habitats for biodiversity to improved welfare for hens laying our Woodland Eggs.
“This latest partnership initiative aims to provide farmers with expertise to make the most of the tree planting opportunities available to them. It forms part of a wider partnership and collaboration programme with our suppliers as we seek to play a leading role in building a resilient UK food system.”
Dr Darren Moorcroft, Chief Executive of the Woodland Trust, said: "Our 20-year partnership with Sainsbury’s is a remarkable collaboration and an exemplar of how one business is championing sustainability. The impact of two decades growing together is testament to its strong mutual benefits. Thanks to the development and popularity of the woodland range of Sainsbury’s products, a staggering five million native trees have been planted, creating vital habitats for wildlife to thrive and protecting more than 2,000 acres of woodland across the UK.
“The Woodland Trust has been planting trees for over 50 years and has a vision for a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature. We’re hugely grateful to Sainsbury’s and its customers for their support; our partnership is a crucial part of our journey, which helps deliver ambitious projects and plant acres of new woodland. And with plans to expand agroforestry support for Sainsbury’s farmers, our innovative and pioneering partnership goes from strength to strength, demonstrating a win-win for sustainable food production and the natural environment.”
Sainsbury’s shoppers can also support the Woodland Trust by donating Nectar points – a 2,000-point donation would help the Woodland Trust to plant a tree, or 5,000 points would go towards the protection and restoration of existing trees, providing vital spaces for wildlife species to eat and shelter.
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