Yorkshire Water has started the next phase of tree planting at Underbank reservoir - the project’s second phase will see the reservoir become home to a further 18,000 trees.
Mayor of South Yorkshire, Dan Jarvis, met with Yorkshire Water’s Chief Executive, Liz Barber, and Director of Water, Neil Dewis, recently, to plant the first tree in Yorkshire Water’s second phase of planting at Underbank reservoir.
The Mayor had a tour of the reservoir, where Yorkshire Water and Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust colleagues demonstrated the progress of the tree planting programme.
In its first phase, the scheme saw 18,000 trees planted in order to increase biodiversity, capture carbon and aid with natural flood management in the area.
During his visit to the water company, Dan also had a tour of Langsett Water Treatment Works which has recently seen a £22.5 million investment to install a new innovative MIEX plant, which will help to remove colour caused by peat and streamline the treatment process.
Dan Jarvis commented:
“I was pleased to support the next phase of tree planting at the Underbank Reservoir. This is a great programme which will help habitats thrive and reduce the risk of flooding in the area. Trees are an invaluable tool in our efforts to combat climate change and I’m committed to planting hundreds of thousands across South Yorkshire.”
Liz Barber, Yorkshire Water’s Chief Executive, said the second phase of tree planting at Underbank would help to slow the flow of water after heavy rainfall, provide wonderful habitats for the wildlife around the reservoir and provide carbon offsetting benefits.
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