One of the oldest businesses in Cirencester has begun marking its 175th anniversary by planting trees in the grounds of the Gloucestershire town’s hospital.
Agricultural estate agency and auction house Moore Allen and Innocent reached the milestone last in 2020, and had hoped to begin the voluntary work then, only for national lockdowns to delay ground clearance and planting.
The company’s employees this month started planting what will amount to 175 oak, field maple, hornbeam and hazel trees on the western edge of Cirencester Hospital’s grounds.
The trees will sit on top of a steep bank that acts as a sound barrier between the hospital and the A429 dual carriageway.
Moore Allen and Innocent said that it was hoping to create a “peaceful haven” for hospital staff, patients and visitors and a habitat for wild animals and birds. A bench and dedication plaque will also be placed at the site, which backs on to Querns Wood.
Mark Halliwell, managing partner at Moore Allen and Innocent, said the business wanted to mark its anniversary by “giving something back” to the local community and to help the environment.
Mr Halliwell said: "Planting trees creates a legacy. Generations of Cirencester people will enjoy and benefit from the planting we are doing this week. It was also great to work with Cirencester's vital and well-loved hospital."
The oldest written record of the company dates back to 1845, when Mr. C.F. Moore conducted his first property auction at the Bathurst Arms in North Cerney.
The firm of Moore and Hill was in business in 1852, operating Cirencester cattle market, while Messrs. Innocent & Son ran the cattle market in Lechlade.
In 1915 they joined forces to create a partnership called CF Moore, Allen & Innocent. The firm still has offices in Cirencester and Lechlade.
Moore Allen and Innocent green initiative is the latest to be launched within Gloucestershire's business community.
Another business based in the county, ready meal brand The Wild Hare Group, previously announced a tree planting partnership with a Cotswold reforestation project in a bid to offset its carbon footprint to date.
Gloucestershire recording facility Migration Studios also recently launched in the Cotswold village of Brockhampton, with a commitment to contribute all of its booking proceeds towards carbon capture projects in efforts to tackle climate change.
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