National Tree Week: Tees planted at Magpas base and HQ

Despite the cold and wet conditions, members of the public, schools and local businesses, as well as members of the Navy, RAF and local fire and police forces, all got involved to plant trees, shrubs and flowers within National Tree Week (November 25 to December 3).

Oaks, birches, hornbeams and aspens were among the 2,000 fully-fledged trees and whips that were planted in the base grounds.

Magpas Air Ambulance CEO Daryl Brown said: “It was so lovely to see the community come together to help us with this monumental task.

“Between us all, we managed to get every tree planted—but it was a real team effort! We had Cambridgeshire County Council take part, as well as the Highways Agency and businesses from Alconbury Weald and across Cambridgeshire.

“It was particularly heart-warming to be able to involve local families and school children too, who planted pansies outside our visitors centre.

“We can’t thank every single person who helped us enough, this is a really special group of people who will have a lasting impact on our charity and our local environment for many years to come.”

One group of people who braved the weather to do some planting were from Ambu, a medical equipment company and Magpas Air Ambulance supplier, also based in Alconbury Weald.

Tanya Porter, head of customer service and operations at Ambu, said: “It’s been a great event where we’ve really felt like part of the community here.

“We’ve been based in Alconbury Weald for three years now and this is the first real chance we’ve had to meet more businesses in the area and help others out.

“Magpas Air Ambulance is a really important charity. Having worked with them in the past we know the difference they make, so it feels good to be able to give back.”

To find out about Magpas Air Ambulance tree sponsorship, visit magpas.org.uk/sponsoratree.