A South Cumbria dental practice and leading environmental charity who are working together to regenerate some of the county’s vital ancient woodland, are celebrating the first green shoots of their partnership.
In 2024 Crossbank Dental Care in Kendal, whose ecological credentials include a rare Green Impact for Dentistry Gold Award for their commitment to environmental responsibility joined with Cumbria Wildlife Trust, which puts wildlife back into our land and seascapes to make Cumbria a wilder county with more space for nature.
Their combined “Implant a Tree” initiative sponsors the planting of a tree for every dental implant placed by Crossbank Dental Care’s dedicated team. The new trees will support Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s creation of a vital green link for insects, birds and mammals between Craggy Wood and Dorothy Farrer’s Spring Wood in Staveley Woodlands.
Home to an abundance of mosses, ferns, and liverworts, these mixed broadleaf woodlands form part of the Lake District’s precious remnants of temperate rainforest, a unique Atlantic coast environment.
With 313 life-enhancing dental implants placed at Crossbank Dental Care since January 2024, the first oak, rowan, hazel and bird cherry saplings, grown and nurtured by Staveley residents, have reached the stage where they can be planted out. And the practice are determined to continue supporting nature’s “crowning” glory for as long as they can.
“As business owners, we recognised the responsibility we have to reduce our environmental footprint, which for us means beyond the practice and into our community,” says Crossbank Dental Care’s Director Neil Cooper. “That mindset led us to this rewarding partnership with Cumbria Wildlife Trust. It’s been wonderful to see our first saplings planted out, and we’re definitely not stopping here- how could we? Here’s to the next 300 trees, and more!”
Neil and the team are also hoping people find enjoyment and inspiration in the expanding woodlands: “Brimming with wildlife, Staveley Woodlands is open to all, thanks to the footpaths and boardwalks maintained by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, and the brilliant guided walks and events they host there. Everyone can do something for nature; it’s lovely to think of our patients there, looking at a tree and thinking: ‘that one’s mine!’”.
Details about Crossbank Dental Care’s “Implant a Tree” initiative are available by ringing or visiting the practice. Find out more about Staveley Woodlands, all CWT reserves, projects and events at: https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk
