What a difference a day makes – UPM Tilhill volunteers transform the grounds of Gloucestershire hospice

Residents, visitors and staff at the Sue Ryder Care Hospice at Leckhampton Court, Gloucestershire can now enjoy impressive panoramic views across Cheltenham from their hospice grounds, thanks to the hard work of staff from UPM Tilhill’s Wessex District.

As part of its UK-wide Community Action Days initiative, the 10-strong team of UPM Tilhill foresters and technical staff spent Friday 16th November at the hospice, carrying out some much needed tree surgery work following a request for support from the company’s Woodland Investment Advisor, Crispin Golding.

The operation involved removing carefully removing the lower branches of two sycamore trees and cutting back a hedgerow hawthorn which were blocking magnificent views from the lawn. An old and unsightly goat willow tree was also removed from the lawn to create a more open
aspect and allow for more appropriate shrubs to be planted. In addition, the hospice’s woodland walk, which meanders alongside the pond, was improved and made lighter and safer by lifting the crowns of the old sycamores that line the path. Finally, a previously scruffy corner was cleared and replanted with spindle, maple, sloe, thorn and holly to provide a more attractive screen for the composting area. All the waste timber was chipped for future use by the hospice gardeners.

“As a charity entirely funded by donations, this hospice relies on the goodwill of its supporters for its grounds maintenance work – so it was a privilege to be able to use our expertise to help out in this way”, Julian Ohlsen, District Manager for UPM Tilhill. “Every year this district sets out to support a local charity yet this year’s event held special significance for us all as a member of our team and his family had recently benefited so much from the fantastic service provided here.”

“A big thank-you to the UPM Tilhill team,” said Steve Kirkwood, Head of Support Services at the Hospice. “The scale of the work undertaken would have been well beyond the capabilities of our gardening team and the resulting vistas across to Cheltenham will really delight our residents and staff.”

Press for further information contact:
Jackie Brown, Public Relations Adviser on tel: 01787 221830 / mob: 0779 297 0919 / email: jackie@jackiebrownpr.org.uk

UPM Tilhill Marketing. November 2007