Working alongside our partners, The Conservation Volunteers and GreenTheUK, we planted 12,500 trees across communities throughout the UK. This progress reflects more than just impressive numbers. It represents a strategic investment that enhances biodiversity and helps communities become more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Community-led tree planting
We planted 5,000 trees in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), directly engaging local communities in environmental action. This year's achievements represent a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with TCV, establishing Willmott Dixon as a 'Gold Planting Supporter' of their 'I Dig Trees' initiative, which has now planted over 4.3 million trees across the UK since 2015.
Community spirit has been central to our achievement with 289 dedicated volunteers from 17 groups contributing 1,734 hours of environmental action. This hands-on approach ensures that local communities don't just benefit from the trees we plant – they actively participate in creating new green spaces.
The trees have covered 43,065m² of land - that’s equivalent to approximately six football pitches transformed into thriving woodland - capturing an estimated 1,900 tonnes of CO₂.
Willmott Dixon's Sustainability Director Mike Cross (right) and Principal Sustainability Manager Jonathan Ayton (left) planting trees with TCV at Paradise Fields, Ealing, in March 2025.
Creating climate-resilient woodlands for the future
Through our partnership with GreenTheUK, we planted a further 7,500 climate-resilient trees across four key locations.
This collaboration brings together the Royal Forestry Society’s 140+ years of forestry expertise with GreenTheUK's community-driven approach to ensure every tree planted leaves a lasting environmental legacy.
Key achievements include:
- Leicestershire (4,000 trees): Replaced diseased poplars with diverse broadleaves and conifers (Grand Fir, Oak, Wild Cherry, Silver Birch) to increase biodiversity and provide sustainable timber
- County Durham (2,000 trees): Created urban woodland across 11 sites including parks, recreation grounds, and schools
- Cumbria (1,200 trees): Established biodiverse forest boundary protecting red squirrel habitat and providing windbreak protection
- London (300 trees): Community-led hedgerow planting based on resident feedback to improve canopy coverRight tree, right place, right reason
Both partnerships follow the Forestry Commission’s principle of ‘right tree, right place, right reason.’
- TCV’s native tree packs support flood mitigation, air purification, biodiversity, and community wellbeing.
- GreenTheUK’s species diversification improves woodland resilience to extreme weather events.
By planting a broader mix of tree species, including some non-native and naturalised varieties, we improve the overall health and adaptability of woodland ecosystems. This approach helps woodlands survive increasingly frequent extreme weather events including floods, droughts and storms that place additional stress on trees.
This dual strategy aligns with national targets, including the Committee on Climate Change’s goal to increase UK woodland cover from 14.5% to 17% by 2050. With 41% of England’s woodlands under-managed, our approach combines community engagement with expert-led woodland management to protect and expand our natural heritage.
Building momentum for the future
Since 2020, we’ve planted over 54,500 trees, keeping us firmly on track to meet our 2030 target. Our national partnership formed in 2023 with TCV and GreenTheUK continues to deliver measurable impact, with each partner committed to planting 15,000 trees on our behalf by 2026.
