From acorns to mighty oaks - a journey of support
When we began our corporate partnership programme a few short years ago, we hoped to form a close network of supporters from a small circle of founder partners. We are delighted that we now have over 75 business partners working with us towards a shared goal of rewilding the Scottish Highlands.
It has always been pivotal for us to grow our partnerships without compromising our vision and values, and paramount to this is working closely and collaboratively with each of our corporate supporters. Whilst two years of remote working and learning have undoubtedly been a curveball challenge, we have embraced the opportunities that online interactions can offer. Whether giving presentations to new staff members, reviewing long-term projects or exploring augmented reality experiences, creativity and flexibility have gone a long way in developing relationships and growing together.
We look forward to meeting our partners in person and welcoming their staff to volunteer days and visits to Dundreggan and Glen Affric. We have always been passionate advocates of getting hands dirty and minds engaged and are keen to expand our portfolio of team activities in conjunction with the opening of our Rewilding Centre next spring.
It has also been a pleasure to watch as companies have evolved along their journeys of support. We have seen the seeds of new ideas become established businesses and have worked with several companies on their natural progression from Silver to Platinum Partners. We have also seen a promising surge in bespoke partnerships with those companies keen to support particular projects that form the core of our rewilding work. Gordon & Macphail and Baillie Gifford have both been instrumental sponsors of our specialist nursery at Dundreggan. While Ella's Kitchen, SWARCO, Glen Lyon Coffee and the Romo Group are amongst a forward-thinking body of supporters who have been hugely generous in giving open donations, allowing us to use the funds wherever they are most needed within Trees for Life.
We, too, have grown as an organisation in recent times and, in tandem with the exciting new developments, we have been mindful to remain considered and pragmatic as we grow in our ambitions. Educating people about our work is such a vital element of what we do and harnessing that knowledge is a powerful tool for our supporters. Rewilding is now an established term in the landscape of ecology and conservation and this is evident in how partners choose to work with us. Conversations are continuing to transition towards the natural regeneration of existing wild trees, enabling new growth and allowing for a profound impact on the Caledonian forest, its diverse ecosystem and its communities.
As we continue to navigate these changing times, we look forward to fostering our work with existing partners and to welcoming progressive new businesses to our community of support. To find out more about becoming a Corporate Partner, get in touch with our Partnerships team at corporates@treesforlife.org.uk