Colas mark UK centenary by planting 100 trees

Company celebrates 100 years of business in the UK with tree-planting scheme in Portsmouth

TO celebrate 100 years of business in the UK, highways maintenance contractors Colas are working with Portsmouth City Council to plant 100 native trees in the city.

Colas, who deliver the City Council’s Highways Maintenance PFI contract and are responsible for maintaining and rehabilitating the Portsmouth’s highway infrastructure, are celebrating their UK centenary by planting the trees on Farlington roundabout to increase biodiversity in the city and to provide food and shelter for wildlife.

A selection of tree species native to Portsmouth’s ecosystem and well adapted to the local environment are being planted, including wild cherry, rowan, field maple, English oak, silver birch, common walnut and hornbeam.

A tree planting ceremony was held on 30 November to celebrate the occasion, when Councillor Kimberley Barrett, Cabinet member for Climate Change and Environment, Councillor Lynne Stagg, Cabinet member for Traffic and Transportation, and Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader, each planted a tree, along with other representatives from Portsmouth City Council and Colas.

Colas business unit manager Ray Muscat commented: ‘We are so proud to have been able to celebrate 100 years of business in the UK in a way which positively impacts the city and the environment in which we live. Increasing biodiversity is important to us as a business and we share this goal with Portsmouth City Council. We look forward to seeing the trees grow for years to come.’

Councillor Kimberley Barrett said: ‘Congratulations to Colas for their 100 years of service to the community. Thank you for marking this milestone by planting 100 trees that will not only provide a fabulous habitat for animals living on the roundabout but will help make our city greener for the healthier lives of future generations.’