We have three locations dedicated to re-growing native woodland. Part of our planting has been supported by our customers choosing to receive statements on line.

Our paperless billing customers have helped us in successfully creating three forests by signing up to paperless billing and therefore help us to reduce the amount of paper we use.

By previously planting a tree for every 100 customers who signed up to online statements, we were able to help re-grow forests for future generations.

Northcombe Wood

Northcombe Wood is located close to Okehampton, between the picturesque regions of Dartmoor and Exmoor, western Devon. 50 years of intensive farming have depleted this area of its natural wildlife, and planting here will encourage the development of natural forest ecosystems - helped by the nearby River Wolf, these trees will provide a home for many species of flora and fauna.

The site features two types of native broad plantings, the first dominated by ash, the second by oak. Also planted in each site will be broadleaves native to the area, such as alder, silver birch, rowan, Dutch elm and woody shrubs (such as hawthorn, guelder rose and hazel).

Potters Meadow

Potters Meadow is situated near Barton-under-Needwood, in Staffordshire. The site measures seven hectares (equivalent to the size of around 14 football pitches), and is supported by the UK's National Forest scheme. The western border of the woodland runs along a watercourse, and a series of dammed pools run through the centre, creating areas of wetland. Planting is predominately native broadleaves, in particular oak, ash and silver birch.

Donkleywood

Donkleywood is located within the Northumberland National Park, and is home to some unique habitats and the nationally-endangered red squirrel.

By planting a range of broadleaf species such as birch and aspen, Donkleywood will help to create the largest native woodland scheme in the Northumberland National Park.

A glowing endorsement for our growing commitment

Jonathon Porrit, Founding Director, Forum for the Future has recently said:
"It's extremely encouraging to see British Gas making a concerted effort to engage with its customers on energy saving and the environment.

While far from sexy, energy saving is the most cost effective way of tackling climate change and needs to be at the top of the hierarchy of measures to limit carbon emissions.

With their strong marketing and communication skills the business community, alongside government and NGOs, has an important role to play in raising awareness and changing behaviours. Creative and innovative methods of trying to engage all customers (not just the green converts) must be a central part of any strategy to tackle the largest environmental challenge society faces."