SuperValu and Centra on track to plant 50,000 trees by 2032

SuperValu and Centra on track to plant 50,000 trees by 2032
St Mary’s College in Irvinestown received 500 trees from the Trees on the land project sponsored by SuperValu and Centra. SuperValu Irvinestown store manager Ryan McCauley (back) visited the school and was joined by (left to right) Vice Principal Shanelle Milland, head girl Cait McAndrews, head boy Ruan Monaghan, Principal Martina McCauley, head girl Lily Goan and head boy Ruairi Moss from year 12.

SuperValu and Centra, part of Musgrave NI, have been laying down roots in 19 communities across Northern Ireland in the next stage of their native tree planting initiative, bringing them a step closer to their pledge of planting 50,000 native trees by 2032.

In partnership with Trees on the Land, a charity and not-for-profit project from the Green Economy Foundation, the project launched in 2022 and saw 10,000 trees planted across 30 locations in Northern Ireland over two years, while this year a further 5,000 have been planted in 19 locations including Tullygally Primary School in Craigavon, St Catherine’s College in Armagh, the Faughan Valley Community Interest Company in the North West, St Mary’s College in Irvinestown and Lisburn BMX Club.

Colleagues from SuperValu and Centra stores across Northern Ireland supported the initiative by pulling on their wellies and visiting many of the tree planting locations.

Desi Derby, Director of Marketing for SuperValu and Centra said: “At SuperValu and Centra we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment and become a more sustainable business.

“We believe it is our responsibility to leave a positive legacy for future generations and this project is an important aspect of that goal. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Trees on the Land by planting a further 5,000 trees to help create a greener future for our local communities.”

Imogen Rabone, Project Co-ordinator and Founder of Trees on the Land added: “It’s fantastic to be in the third year of a partnership with SuperValu and Centra and see a total of 15,000 trees planted in almost 50 locations across Northern Ireland so far. These trees will bring lasting benefits including absorbing carbon, improving air quality, supporting biodiversity, and protecting soil.

“Our vision at Trees on the Land is to establish tree cover and woodland in rural and urban areas that will grow for many years and provide valuable resources for future generations. It is thanks to partnerships like this with SuperValu and Centra through Musgrave NI that makes this possible.”

A commitment to planting 50,000 trees is one in a list of steps being taken by SuperValu and Centra to make their stores and communities more sustainable.

Centra retailer Ricky Leathem (right) who owns Centra Ballynahinch Road in Lisburn, visits Lisburn BMX Club, which has received 250 trees. He meets (left to right) club volunteer Andrew Morrow, member Amy McConnell (17), vice-chair Marty McConnell, chair George Gordon and committee member Charlie Kelly.