RPL Grounds team leads oak saplings project at Telford site

Telford, UK, 20 November 2025 – On 5 November 2025, the Grounds team and members of the Biodiversity Group at Ricoh UK Products Ltd (RPL) joined forces with the company’s fourth-year apprentices to plant 14 self-setting oak saplings on the top field of the Telford site — supporting RPL’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity and sustainability.

This activity follows the successful relocation of 12 other self-set saplings earlier in the year, all part of the company’s long-term efforts to enhance local habitats and protect native tree species.

A natural regeneration effort

Led by the Grounds team, the group carefully relocated naturally grown saplings from border and field edges to new woodland areas. Using the ‘Picture This’ mobile app, they identified and logged each species, ensuring young trees are properly recognised, tracked, and given the space they need to flourish.

“Every year, we are fortunate that oak saplings naturally appear across our site, thanks to birds, wind, and the occasional mast year — when oaks produce an abundance of acorns,” said Jon Oakley, Building Services Team Leader and Biodiversity Group member.

“2025 proved to be one of these special years, with ideal weather helping acorns germinate in record numbers. By replanting self-set saplings, we’re helping nature do what it does best – keeping our site green, diverse, and thriving for years to come.”

Why does it matter?

Oak trees are true powerhouses of biodiversity. Each mature tree supports over 2,300 species of insects, fungi, and wildlife — providing essential habitats for butterflies, birds, and bats, while improving soil health and natural drainage.

By replanting oak and other self-set species such as ash and horse chestnut, RPL is helping to offset the impact of diseases like Ash Dieback and Acute Oak Decline, both of which threaten native UK woodland.

This initiative also supports RPL’s tree preservation strategy, designed to protect and maintain healthy trees across the Telford site. 

Notably, RPL is home to three Turkey Oaks (otherwise known as ‘Turkish Oaks’) located near its Solar Farm — estimated to be between 150 and 200 years old.

Sustainable and smart

The ‘Self-Setting Tree Project’ is a low-cost, high-impact initiative that promotes biodiversity while engaging employees in hands-on sustainability. By combining expertise from the Grounds team with the enthusiasm of apprentices, RPL continues to strengthen its environmental leadership and learning culture.

“This project demonstrates our people’s passion intertwined with our corporate strategy — where sustainability, wellbeing, teamwork, and learning go hand-in-hand,” added Jon.

“A huge thank you to everyone who took part!”

Our commitment to a greener future

The Self-Setting Tree Project is just one example of how RPL is turning environmental awareness into meaningful action — preserving local ecosystems, reducing environmental impact, and inspiring future generations to do the same.

Find out more about RPL’s sustainability and ESG commitments by clicking here.