A month after His Majesty the King visited Barcham Trees near Ely, Cambridgeshire, on 3 March, Barcham Trees welcomed the South Cambridgeshire MP, Lucy Frazer to the site.
The visit was organised by the HTA and provided Ms Frazer with an opportunity to receive an update on the value that this and other UK horticultural businesses bring to the environment, communities and the economy.
The MP toured Barcham’s potting barn and young tree production area and was also able to see where His Majesty had initiated the planting of a newly forming arboretum. HTA discussed some of the key challenges and opportunities for the sector – from the costs of doing business to transitioning from peat to recognition of the value of environmental horticulture.
Lucy Frazer MP commented: “I really enjoyed my visit to Barcham Trees to find out more about their role in the local community. Their business is not just a great local employer, but is also playing an important part in boosting the environment too. Seeing and learning about the range of beautiful trees they have, was a real inspiration and demonstrated why they are such a success.”
Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at HTA commented: “This visit was a chance to see first-hand the critical and valuable role the environmental horticulture industry plays in the UK and the exciting businesses which are creating jobs, mitigating climate change and boosting health. Being able to discuss the challenges and opportunities with Lucy Frazer MP was extremely timely.”
Warren Holmes-Chatfield, Director of Operations at Barcham Trees commented: “It was great to have our local MP visit the business, and see the changes we have made in recent years. We value the relationship with our local community and our customers – and are proud to have been developing and growing our business in a sustainable way. Barcham Trees is the largest tree container nursery in the UK, and we are committed to sound environmental management of the business, as is reflected by the nature of the business.”
