In November 2024, SDC acquired a grassland plot in Olney, Buckinghamshire, with the vision of creating a woodland recreational area for the enjoyment of employees and visitors. The final design, developed in collaboration with the Forest of Marston Vale, includes an orchard and a forested area, along with supporting access and parking facilities.

The orchard will feature around 35 fruit trees, sourced from a local supplier, and is expected to yield fruit within 2–3 years. The forested area will be planted with approximately 8,750 trees at a high density of 2,500 trees per hectare to maximise carbon sequestration. The design emphasises a mixed broadleaf woodland over a monocultural coniferous forest, aiming to strike a balance between environmental impact and biodiversity.

Mixed woodlands were chosen for their ecological advantages, such as improving soil quality and enhancing biological diversity. Unlike coniferous forests, which can acidify the soil and hinder microorganism activity, broadleaf woodlands create alkaline conditions that support soil health and carbon dioxide storage. This approach not only contributes to the site’s sustainability but also provides a rich habitat for a variety of plant and animal species.

This initiative demonstrates SDC’s commitment to environmental stewardship, combining ecological conservation with practical use, and establishing a lasting legacy of sustainability for future generations.