Forests with Impact Officially Launches First Commercial Tree Nursery in a UK Prison, Transforming Lives and Tackling Climate Change
Forests with Impact, an award-winning, industry-led social enterprise, has officially launched at HMP Haverigg in Cumbria, setting a new standard in social and environmental impact by creating commercial tree nurseries within the UK prison system. This pioneering programme tackles two of society’s biggest challenges—supporting prisoner rehabilitation and addressing the climate emergency.
The launch event brought together industry leaders, community stakeholders, and representatives from HMP Haverigg, uniting around a shared vision of sustainability, rehabilitation, and positive social change. Forests with Impact is not only transforming lives by providing prisoners with horticultural skills and those required by local industry, whilst giving hope, pride, and purpose, but is also creating a pathway to employment upon release. The programme breaks down societal barriers and redefines perceptions about the potential of rehabilitation, all while contributing to the UK’s biodiversity and tree-planting goals.
The programme has already achieved significant milestones, with two operational polytunnels, one inside the prison and one outside, and over 250,000 saplings currently growing. Prisoners at HMP Haverigg are paid either national minimum wage and training wages by Forests With Impact and are working towards horticultural qualifications, supported by industry experts who coach and mentor them. By giving skills in an industry known for its low barriers to entry for ex-prisoners, Forests with Impact gives prisoners hope and practical skills, helping to break the cycle of reoffending.
Raphael Rowe, Netflix documentary maker, former prisoner, and Ambassador for Forests with Impact, described the day as inspirational, “Forests with Impact shows what’s possible when we invest in people and give them a second chance. This programme is more than rehabilitation, it’s a movement for change. I’m proud to support a social enterprise that gives prisoners a pathway to a better future while tackling some of society’s biggest challenges.”
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Geraint Richards, Head Forester for the Duchy of Cornwall and Ambassador for Forests with Impact, expressed his admiration for the way the collaboration is making change possible: “Forests with Impact addresses a number of urgent issues, from the climate and biodiversity crises to the skills shortage in forestry. This partnership can create real, lasting change within prison walls and far beyond. I am thrilled to be part of this inspiring programme.”
Forests with Impact is led by a collaboration of over 26 partners who lend their expertise, resources, and commitment to ensure its success. These partners include industry giants, household names, government backed companies, through to micro and community stakeholders who are united by a shared mission to drive social and environmental change.
Mark Keily, , Director of Health, Safety and Sustainability at Sunbelt Rentals, highlighted the importance of industry collaboration, “As a founding partner of Forests with Impact, we’re committed to driving meaningful and systemic change by providing upskilling and employment opportunities, aligned with our long-term sustainability strategy. . This programme is proof that when industry partners and social enterprise come together, we can achieve powerful outcomes for society and our planet .”
Craig Owen, Director and Justice Sector Lead at AECOM, “AECOM is proud to be a founding partner of Forests with Impact, a pioneering social enterprise aligned with our Sustainable Legacies strategy and ESG commitments. This inspirational programme not only helps address the climate emergency but also creates rehabilitative opportunities for prisoners, equipping them
with skills for life after prison. By providing our specialist expertise, we look forward to supporting Forests with Impact in achieving its vision—driving positive social outcomes, contributing to net zero goals, and building stronger, more resilient communities across the UK.”
Gavin McLaughlin, Head of ESG at BSW Group, the UK’s largest integrated forestry and timber business, commented: “BSW Group’s decision to become a national partner of Forests with Impact was driven by its alignment to our own core values; our commitment to sustainable forestry and community development. This initiative not only promotes the environmental benefits of trees, but also promotes the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals back into society. This demonstrates a tangible, community-focused approach, which is very much in line with our broader vision for responsible, impactful business practices. We’re proud to support this incredible programme.”
Dale Powell, Social Value Manager at Wates Group, emphasised the wider social impact, “Supporting Forests with Impact aligns with Wates Group’s commitment to driving social value. This partnership is a perfect example of how we can achieve environmental goals while creating positive change in people’s lives. It’s inspiring to see the impact it’s already having on prisoners and communities alike.”
Emma Johnson, Director at Forests With Impact and Managing Director of Mylo, a specialist impact consultancy guiding larger corporates, often in highly regulated and complex environments, is a smaller yet integral partner and shared, “Being part of Forests with Impact is incredibly special for a small business like ours. We’re proud to give our all to a programme that’s changing lives and supporting environmental progress. Every partner plays a vital role, and we’re honoured to be a part of this journey.”
With support from the Forestry Commission and DEFRA-backed grants, Forests with Impact is poised for rapid growth. The social enterprise plans to establish polytunnels across UK prisons, creating millions of saplings over the next decade and generating careers for prisoners. This programme not only supports the UK government’s tree-planting targets but also contributes to local employment and biodiversity.
Sarah MacGregor, Programme Founder and Lead at Forests with Impact and Head of Social Sustainability at Sunbelt Rentals, emphasised the importance of this partnership, “We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the dedication of our partners. Our founding principles are ‘that we are all part of the situation, therefore we are all part of the solution’. Together, we’re tackling the climate emergency, supporting prisoner rehabilitation, and boosting community skills. Forests with Impact is about building a better future for everyone.”
In every aspect possible, Forests with Impact and its partners are giving opportunities to prisoners, and even for the launch event, Arena Group generously donated a marquee, and they went a step further by working with HMP Haverigg to ensure prisoners could shadow them during set-up, providing valuable experience in event management, adding to the diverse skills they can use upon re-entry into society.
Ross Robertson, Managing Director of Arena UK & Europe, said: “This is an important programme and one that aligns closely with our commitment to driving social value across both our operations and the communities in which we work. We are thrilled to support an organisation which is making not only a major environmental impact, but also helping in the crucial rehabilitation of prisoners.”
Join the Movement
The launch event at HMP Haverigg marks an ambitious beginning for Forests with Impact. Media, organisations, and communities are invited to learn more and become part of this unique and extraordinary, industry-led social enterprise. With momentum growing, Forests with Impact is set to become a household name, bringing positive change to people, communities, and the planet.
For interviews, media appearances, and further information, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Media Contact:
Emma Johnson
Forests with Impact
Email: media@forestswithimpact.org.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1234 567 890
Website: www.forestswithimpact.org.uk
Forest Machine Magazine is written and edited by a forest professional with over 40 years hands on experience. We are dedicated to keeping you informed with all the latest news, views and reviews from our industry.
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