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Plant a tree with eola this Christmas

by Daniel Steele

December 01, 2021

At eola, sustainability is one of the central pillars upon which our business is built. At the moment we are a young start-up, but as we grow and develop, we want to support causes that help protect and enrich natural environments.

That’s why this December, we will be planting a tree for every booking made through the eola marketplace. This small gesture is just one part of a larger journey to becoming a carbon positive company, with sustainability at its core.

team eola — Team eola during our Cornwall beach clean

How are we going to plant trees?

To plant our trees, we've teamed up with the Future Forest Company, a UK-based organisation working to remove CO2 at scale from the atmosphere and protect biodiversity. Their goal is to plant 50 million trees by 2025, whilst investing in carbon sequestration technologies like biochar and enhanced weathering.

“Everything we do at Future Forest is designed to maximise the amount of carbon dioxide we can take out of the atmosphere, and maximise the benefit to the environment,” says Jimm Mann, co-founder and CEO of the Future Forest Company.

“All the trees we plant are native broadleaf species as part of our sustainable reforestation across the UK. We’re always planting the right tree, in the right place.”

jim mann future forest company ceo — Jim Mann, CEO of the Future Forest Company

Where will the trees go?

The UK has some of the lowest forest coverage in Europe, at around 13%. By working directly with a UK-based company, we hope to help contribute towards improving this figure.

The Future Forest Company owns four sites in Scotland, with plans for more in Scotland and the North of England in the pipeline. By planting a diverse mix of native tree species, the Future Forest Company is helping build complete ecosystems, improving biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

“About a quarter of all UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species are associated with trees and different types of woodland,” says Jimm. “By growing new forests we provide a habitat to a diverse range of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, plants, and fungi all of which contribute to the continued good health of the forest.”

future forest company mangalitsa pigs — Woolly Mangalitsa pigs contribute to soil regeneration

How can I help?

We will donate a tree for every booking made through the eola marketplace this December. The marketplace showcases a range of experiences across the country, suitable for complete beginners and experienced adventurers alike.

You can also buy a tree directly from the Future Forest Company, and give it as a gift this Christmas. When your tree is planted, you’ll receive a photo of the sapling and a certificate, as well as a What3words location for your specific tree.

“Since day one, sustainability has been central to our mission,” says Callum Hemsley, founder and CEO of eola. “We are delighted to be taking a significant next step on our journey towards becoming a carbon positive company, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Future Forest Company over the coming months.”

eola co-founders callum hemsley and dan steele — eola co-founders Callum Hemsley and Dan Steele

We hope this article has inspired you to give an activity a go this December. Whether you're heading for the great outdoors or enjoying a month by the fireside, all of us here at eola wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.