Milestone reached at Priscilla Bacon Lodge

Norfolk County Council has marked the halfway point of its ambitious 1 Million Trees for Norfolk scheme, with the planting of tree number 500,000 in the garden of the Priscilla Bacon Lodge.

A Norfolk Oak tree was planted with the help of Paul Bussey, who has provided grant funding for a number of tree planting projects.

The tree was grown by volunteers at Gressenhall Community tree nursery.

Councillor James Bensly, cabinet member for environment and waste at Norfolk County Council said: “Reaching the halfway mark of 500,000 trees is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. We want to ensure that trees are planted in the right places, securing a legacy in our county for years to come.

“The gardens at Priscilla Bacon Lodge are a great example of how this initiative can help people and the environment to thrive together.

“We are committed to continuing this momentum and achieving our goal of one million trees for Norfolk.”

The 1 Million Trees for Norfolk scheme, launched in 2020, has seen widespread participation from local communities, schools, businesses, and landowners.

The county council has committed to planting an average of 150,000 trees a year until the one million mark is reached.

The eight acres of native meadowland and ornamental gardens at Priscilla Bacon Lodge, the hospice providing palliative and end-of-life care near the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in Norwich, are a vital component of their services.

They have been awarded £1500 from the Busseys Community Tree Grant to increase woodland space by planting over 200 trees and introducing educational wildlife trails for all ages.

Jack Mackenzie, head gardener, at Priscilla Bacon Lodge said: “The gardens provide a place for our patients and their families to benefit from the restorative qualities of the natural world. That can include just getting some include fresh air, sunlight and exercise, which can go a long way to improving their mental health and wellbeing.

“Hazel and willow trees will eventually support woodcraft workshops and provide sustainable materials for garden stakes. The trees will even help us with the changing seasons, soaking up the excess water, and making the site safer, as mown pathways are often flooded. We hope that the woodland will create precious moments and connections as our patients and their families explore the space.”

Business owner Paul Bussey of Busseys’ set up the grant fund to support groups in Norfolk looking to plant trees that deliver a community benefit.

He said: “We are proud to have played our part in helping Norfolk reach this milestone. “t is always great to see where the trees are being planted and the benefit they can provide to the environment and the local community.”

The new Priscilla Bacon Lodge, a state-of-the-art hospice offering expert palliative and end-of-life care was inaugurated by King Charles III in October 2023. It replaced the original facility at the Colman Hospital site on Unthank Road and is continuing a proud legacy after 44 years of exceptional care.

GREEN MISSION: Left to right, Paul Bussey of Busseys’; Hugo Stevenson, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Priscilla Bacon Lodge; councillor Chris Dawson, deputy cabinet member for environment and waste. Photo: NCC.