Help our city be greener
LOCAL people will have a chance to learn about an unusual social enterprise when the TreeStation, in Gorton, throws open its doors for a community open day on Saturday.
TreeStation is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to making the best use of local timber – which would otherwise be wasted. It is the only cooperatively run woodland management business in Greater Manchester.
Most wood from tree work is chipped and sent to power stations, a colossal waste of local resources. Instead of just chipping wood, TreeStation repurpose the material from their own maintenance work and from other tree-work businesses.
After drying the wood in their own kiln, heated by a biomass boiler, the wood is transformed into timber for joiners and firewood. The open day will allow local people to see how TreeStation is providing green solutions to wood waste and how they ‘up-cycle’ what some would consider rubbish.
There will also be opportunities to learn about or get involved will local community groups, take part in a selection of fun games and activities, watch woodwork demonstrations and get a glimpse of TreeStation’s stock of local timber. Refreshments will be on offer and all money raised will be donated to Tree Aid – a charity that works to create thriving, sustainable communities throughout the isolated and remote regions of Africa.
Visitors to TreeStation on Saturday can also become members for just £1.
Members are entitled to full voting rights, receive a regular newsletter and invitations to events along with access to community benefit services.
Patricia Spray, TreeStation Community Engagement Officer, said: “TreeStation is working towards a greener Manchester, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and increase sustainability in the local area, the business employs 27 people, many living locally.
“Events like the open day create opportunities to engage with the local community and share our values.”
Coun Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council executive member for neighbourhoods, said: “The planet’s resources are limited and we all should act to reduce waste in any way we can.”
For more information about TreeStation please visit: www.treestation. co.uk
TreeStation’s community open day takes place from 11am to 2pm on Saturday at The Yard, Vaughan Street, West Gorton, Manchester.