Thorpe Wood: Giving back to our community
New area of woodland to be created in Mowsley, Leicestershire generating huge benefit to the environment, ecosystem, and the local community.
We are delighted to announce that after a concerted period of planning, we have been given permission to plant thousands of trees on an area of land gifted by John Thorpe Snr as a remarkable way to acknowledge our 75th Anniversary, and that on Saturday 28th January 2023, Thorpe Wood will become a reality.
Long-Term Thinking
Environmental concerns are rightly at the forefront of many businesses' thinking, and for us, this is not a new approach.
We are proud to be a family business, and the second generation of the Thorpe family began the process of giving something back to our local environment 40 years ago in 1983.
John Thorpe Snr, with help from many others within the organisation, planted several hundred trees on his own land in Mowsley, Leicestershire, naming the area, perhaps unsurprisingly, as ‘John’s Wood‘.
In carefully choosing indigenous tree species, John and his group of volunteers planted a forest that is now enjoyed by local walkers and wildlife alike, with the wood fostering a vibrant and thriving ecosystem.
John has taken immense pride in seeing this area grow and flourish, noting in particular how several species have returned to the area as a direct result of the trees which he planted.
Expansion Plans
2022 marked our 75th year in business, and the celebrations carried a distinct theme of “A Year to Give Back”, and it was during the planning for this momentous milestone that the idea to plant a bigger, neighbouring wood was born.
John Thorpe Snr, has again been the driving force of this undertaking, and he has been supported in this by current Managing Director John Thorpe.
What has been absolutely clear to see from both Johns, is their unmistakable passion for this project and their desire to give something back to their local area.
“Planting trees on our own land has been hugely rewarding, the effect it has had on local wildlife alone is enough to make it worthwhile.
We believe in being a part of our community, and take great pride in the number of people who enjoy the woodland space we have created.”
Spades at the Ready
We have worked closely with both the Woodland Trust and Harborough Woodland to create a plan that is sustainable, workable and provides a woodland that is in keeping with the surrounding area. Both organisations have valuable, and extensive expertise in the arena of woodland planting, and their guidance has been incredibly important on this journey.
Great consideration was given to the species of trees chosen, with those selected native to the UK and all offering benefits to local wildlife especially.
We also sought advice to ensure that all action undertaken is suitable for all manner of concerns, such as the soil type and the archeological features of the area.
Thanks to this collective effort, we have a 1.2 hectare woodland planned and carefully marked out, all the necessary trees have been purchased and are ready to be planted by our troupe of willing volunteers!
Incredibly, co-incidentally, all of the trees to be planted have been supplied by Thorpe Trees, a specialist nursery based in Thorpe Underwood, York - some names clearly just have an affinity with all things wood based!
Image showing the area to be planted, with the existing wood shown in all its glory!
A Space for Everyone
Both woodland areas are perfectly placed for people to enjoy. Mowsley brook runs along the North edge of the treeline, with a public footpath intersecting the field, almost exactly along the dotted line above.
This was a key consideration in choosing it’s location, and something which sets this scheme apart for us.
The environmental benefits are clear to see, and will play an important part in removing atmospheric carbon. But, instead of funding a tree-planting scheme elsewhere, this will be an area forever tied to Thorpes Joinery. Both Johns wanted to create an area that not only provided environmental and ecological benefits, but would be a place that people local to area could access and enjoy as they have done over many years.
If anyone would like to join in the planting then you are more than welcome, simply drop an email to jamie.thorpe@thorpes-joinery.com for details!
We are excited to see the planting take place and track the progress of Thorpe Wood in the years to come - watch this space!