Local year 2 pupils from The March CE Primary School have planted the first new tree at the extension of the Home of Rolle-Royce in Goodwood at a special ceremony. The group of 30 pupils gathered to plant a young elderberry tree near Footpath 417, running alongside the site and forming part of a newly upgraded walking route.
The elderberry tree planted by the year 2 pupils is the first of thousands of trees and shrubs to be introduced at the site over the coming months. Rolls-Royce says it 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 the visit, the year 2 pupils also sowed wildflower and grass seeds on the earth bund to help integrate the site into the wider landscape. Once established, it will support pollinators including bees and butterflies, while contributing to the BNG goal.
To commemorate the event, each child was given their own trowel as a “lasting memento of their contribution to the site’s transformation, and an invitation to continue their own future botanical and conservation endeavours.”
The footpath is a popular public right of way that was reopened in December 2024 following “extensive” remediation and upgrade work funded by the car maker.
“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,” Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “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.”
Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
