Launched with the clear objectives of planting trees and hedging to encourage biodiversity whilst simultaneously creating improved living environments for local communities, Creating Nature’s Corridors has already notched up some impressive results.
Over the last four years, the charity has:
- Planted 5km of hedgerow
- Planted two acres of woodland and orchard
- Undertaken 114 individual planting projects
- Added 40,050 trees and hedging plants to the natural landscape
- Garnered the support of 1,252 volunteers to help carry out its planting activities
Now the charity is setting its sights on the 2025/6 planting programme, which includes a substantial initiative with Anglian Water that will result in the creation of Rory’s Wood, an 35 acres / 14 hectares acre woodland located western edge of Grafham Water which will provide a safe space for members of the local community to enjoy the benefits associated with spending time immersed in the natural world.
The wood is named after the brother of the founder of Creating Nature’s Corridors. Brampton-based Vhari Russell lost her younger brother Rory to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome in 2018 and this unexpected tragedy proved the catalyst to starting up the charity, establishing a legacy for Rory who was a carpenter by trade renowned for the amazing structures he created from green oak.
Creating Nature’s Corridors now enjoys widespread interest from companies keen to put forward staff for volunteer planting days, to demonstrate a business’s commitment to the CSR agenda. However, with ambitious planting plans in place for the next season, the charity is keen to seek out additional corporate partners who in addition to providing volunteers, are open to providing financial support.
Vhari Russell comments, “We’re delighted with the progress that we’ve made to date and the positive impact the charity’s endeavours are having in terms of improving the natural environment whilst also ensuring local communities are able to enjoy the well-documented benefits associated with having access to green spaces. Looking ahead, we need more companies to demonstrate a credible approach to corporate social responsibility. Rather than viewing the charity as a tick-box exercise to simply secure volunteering spaces, we’d like to encourage more businesses to fully immerse themselves in the ethos of what we’re trying to achieve and offer financial support that will fund future planting projects. We’re currently faced with raising £60,000 so all donations, no matter how small are welcome!.”
Chris Gerrard, Head of Landscape Transformation at Anglian Water said, "We are so proud to collaborate with Creating Nature’s Corridors on the creation of Rory’s Wood, a project that not only celebrates an inspiring legacy, but also aligns with our purpose of bringing lasting environmental and social prosperity to the region. Together, we are enhancing biodiversity and providing a sanctuary for local communities to connect with nature, which is vital for both ecological health and human well-being".
