LOCAL SCHOOLCHILDREN PLANT FIRST NEW TREE ON ROLLS-ROYCE EXTENSION SITE – AutoMart Canada

• Year 2 pupils from The March CE Primary School plant first new
  tree on the Rolls-Royce extension site
• Elderberry tree marks start of a wide-ranging programme to enhance diversity
• Schoolchildren sowed native wildflower and grass seeds,
  establishing new meadow habitat

 

“From the outset, we have been committed to ensuring that our new
extension integrates harmoniously into the surrounding landscape,
just as our existing premises have for more than two decades. We’ve
taken every possible opportunity to enhance the local biodiversity
and amenity value, through initiatives including our footpath
upgrades and our extensive programme of tree-planting and other
habitat generation, which now begins.

“It feels wholly appropriate that the first new tree should be
planted by children from our local school. As the elderberry tree
grows and flourishes, so too will they. We are proud to mark this
moment with The March CE Primary School, reaffirming a valued and
enduring partnership.”

Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Children from The March CE Primary School have
planted the first new tree on the extension site at the Home of
Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, during a special ceremony. A group of 30 Year
2 pupils gathered to plant a young elderberry tree beside Footpath
417, which runs alongside the site and forms part of a newly upgraded
walking route.

The elderberry tree is the first of thousands of trees and
shrubs that will be introduced to the site over the coming months.
Rolls-Royce is committed to delivering a biodiversity net-gain (BNG)
above the 10% statutory requirement set under the plant extension
project’s planning consent.

As part of their visit, the children also sowed wildflower and
grass seeds on the earth bund that helps integrate the site into the
wider landscape. Once established, the new meadow will support
pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while contributing further
to the BNG objective.

To commemorate the occasion, each child received their own
trowel – a lasting memento of their contribution to the site’s
transformation, and an invitation to continue their own future
botanical and conservation endeavours.

Footpath 417 is a popular public right of way, reopened
in December 2024 following extensive remediation and upgrading work
funded by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.