At the Travel Village Group, we’re proud to say that our family business of 65 years is supporting the National Trust’s Plant a Tree initiative. As travel agents, we understand that while travel brings incredible experiences, it also has an environmental impact. While we can’t make travel perfect, we believe in taking steps to give back and recognising the responsibility we have to protect the beauty in the world. We believe planting trees is a small step towards a more sustainable future, and a simple yet powerful way to give back to the environment. We’re excited to play a part in making a difference!
The idea to support this amazing initiative was introduced by Andrea Smith – one of our Holiday Village business owners – and it couldn’t be more simple. When clients book a holiday with any of our brands at the Travel Village Group, they can donate an optional £2.50 towards the cause.
The Travel Village Group is proud to state that we have one of only 20 TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors for 2024 in the country working within our business. Emma Andrews is able to offer advice to our staff so that they can help our travellers choose travel options that are considered more eco-friendly and less environmentally impacting. Whilst it’s great to encourage our clients to consider various forms of more responsible travel, we also recognise the need to do what we can locally. We actively encourage our staff to get involved in local schemes – whether it’s a beach clean, moss-planting, litter-picking hikes, or volunteering with waterway management there’s always a way that each person can contribute.
When we send our clients around the world for incredible experiences and to make amazing memories, we’re aware of the environmental impact. While it may seem like a small act, planting a tree can help absorb CO2, improve air quality, and provide vital habitats for wildlife. By raising money to donate to Plant a Tree, we can support the National Trust’s ambition to plant and nurture 20 million trees by 2030. These trees are a natural defence against climate change, and National Trust estimate they will store around 300,000 tonnes of carbon annually at their peak.
Blossoming trees and hedgerows benefit both wildlife and people, supporting species like rare birds and bees. However, the UK has lost 81% of traditional orchards since the early 1900s, and half of its hedgerows have disappeared since 1945. Supporting the National Trust with donations from our clients will help restore these vital ecosystems.
All donations will be fully dedicated to planting and maintaining new trees at National Trust sites. Donations cover the cost of trees, tree guards, stakes, tools, and mulch. The price of the trees varies based on their size and species. Trees are selected to complement the area’s natural environment and support local wildlife.
We’re sending a team of volunteers to take part in a day of tree planting this December (2024) in the Peak District, and hope to take part in future dates as well. We believe giving our customers the opportunity to donate will be important to many of our customers and team members. We cannot wait to watch funds build, which will in turn contribute to more trees.
Small acts can have a big impact, and even having a conversation with a client about the Plant A Tree scheme can spark further actions in an individual. Raising donations for the National Trust’s initiative is the immediate goal; but raising awareness of small things we can do to encourage sustainable actions at home and abroad is the ultimate ambition for the Travel Village Group.
