Mady's Wood Unveiled by Andrew Benson

September 2008

Andrew Benson, Chairman of the Benson Group, based in Bardon, Leicestershire, has officially unveiled his own lasting tribute to his late wife Mady. A six acre forest, containing some 6,000 trees, has been created in memory of Mady in a village four miles from Uppingham, in the Leicestershire countryside.

"Mady loved the country, animals and nature. In my own mind she will live on through this forest," said Andrew Benson. Mady's Wood contains oak, ash and silver birch trees, among many other species.

The unveiling of the wood also fits well with the Benson Group environmental focus. Tree planting is easily recognised by both customers and consumers as a positive eco-action. Trees use energy from the sun to fuel photosynthesis. Photosynthesis converts water and CO2 absorbed from the atmosphere into carbohydrates that are used by the tree for nutrients. The by-product of photosynthesis is oxygen, which is released by trees into the atmosphere. So by absorbing CO2, trees rid the environment of an excess pollutant and in return, provide oxygen to breathe.

Commenting on the group's environmental stance, Andrew added: "In the UK only 12% of our land is wooded, compared with an average of 32% in most other European countries. It is therefore important that we retain and add to our existing wooded areas to help reduce pollution, generate oxygen, maintain wildlife habitats and improve quality of life."