English oak tree planted to mark Bellway’s 80th anniversary

Bellway has planted a locally sourced English oak at its headquarters in Woolsington, Newcastle upon Tyne, to celebrate the housebuilder’s 80th anniversary.

The planting of the tree, which has been done in partnership with Forestry England, pays homage to Bellway’s strong roots in the North East and reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable practices.

The native Quercus robur, also known as pedunculate oak, is one of 30 priority tree species identified by Forestry England – part of the Forestry Commission – for their ability to survive future climate challenges.

Tony Atkin, Bellway Group Production Managing Director, said: “As a homebuilder, Bellway recognises the important role that trees and green infrastructure play in creating sustainable communities.

“Trees help to make places healthier, more attractive and more resilient by supporting biodiversity, improving air quality, providing shade and helping to manage the impacts of a changing climate. This commemorative oak reflects Bellway's commitment not only to building homes, but to creating thriving places where people and nature can flourish together.”

Richard Stanford, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, said: “This English oak is a fitting way to mark Bellway’s 80th anniversary. For centuries, oak has helped shape England’s homes and landscapes.

“As we celebrate that history, we're also looking ahead. Climate change means we must work harder to help species like oak thrive, while building resilient forests that can continue providing timber, wildlife habitats and wider benefits for generations to come. This tree represents both our heritage and our commitment to the future.”

As part of its commitment to nature, Bellway is the first national housebuilder to promote native-focused gardening in its showhome gardens. The company has also been at the forefront of collaborative work to help the housebuilding industry meet new biodiversity regulations which require all new developments to deliver a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of at least 10 per cent.

Bellway also opened a timber frame facility – Bellway Home Space – near Mansfield earlier this year to help achieve its targets for the construction of sustainable timber frame homes, locking up carbon and supporting their net zero ambitions. 

Forestry England’s 30 priority tree species were identified by scientific analysis to future-proof the nation’s forests against climate change and disease. The species were selected for ability to withstand extreme weather, resist pests and diseases and provide commercial timber for decades ahead.

Neil Beamsley, Bellway’s Head of Nature and Biodiversity, said: “This planting is a reminder that our forests face new challenges. Climate change, pests and diseases are putting increasing pressure on many native tree species, including oak. Protecting the benefits that trees provide for future generations will require us to care for the trees we plant today and to think carefully about the trees we plant tomorrow.

“Bellway supports the work of the Forestry Commission to ensure that we have resilient, thriving woodlands that provide environmental, economic and social benefits as well as home-grown timber for sustainable development, well into the future. 

“This commemorative oak celebrates our shared heritage while recognising our collective responsibility to secure the future of trees, timber and sustainable home building for generations to come.”

For more details about Bellway’s approach to sustainability, visit https://www.bellwayplc.co.uk/sustainability.

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