BUSINESSES in the region are being encouraged to take part in a scheme to replace the UK's lost trees.

The project was established by Fountains Associates, a design, print and marketing company in Etherley, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

Fountains has close links with Durham Wildlife Trust, which has helped it set up a scheme whereby its customers "earn" trees.

The scheme was launched last summer. When a company places a print order with Fountains Associates, they are given trees to plant. The bigger the print order, the more trees the company receives.

Bob Swinbank, a Fountains Associates director, said the company hoped to extend the project to take in other companies.

He said: "We have worked towards a greater environmental emphasis and thought it would be a good idea to plant trees. We deal in printing and people associate printing with losing trees, even if the paper is actually recycled. We would like to plant thousands of trees."

Last month, ten trees earned by Cummins Engines, also of Darlington, were planted in North Lodge Park, Darlington, in memory of employees' loved ones.

Frank Walsh, plant safety manager, said the initiative began when the company asked Fountains to print manuals for physiotherapy training.

The ceremony was attended by Professor David Bellamy, the president of Durham Wildlife Trust.

Prof Bellamy presented a series of awards to companies and organisations that have supported the Tree Appeal at a gala evening at Darlington's football stadium. Recipients included Cummins Engines, Durham University, John Wade Haulage, Teesdale Enterprise Agency, Blackett Hart and Pratt, British Israel World Federation, Descend Mountain Bike Promotions, Comtek System Solutions, Darling and Stephensons, John Snow College, Graphicus and BNI Blackwell Chapter.

He said: "I believe Tree Appeal is a very exciting initiative because it gives companies the opportunity to make a real difference. These broad-leaved trees make a significant long-term contribution to the environment. It is important to replace trees. If you take trees out of a space, that space loses so much."

Philip Roxby, nature reserves officer at Darlington Borough Council, which has worked with local people to improve North Lodge Park, said: "It is good to see schemes like this. It highlights that business can help the environment."

To find out more about the scheme, call Mr Swinbank on (01388) 835599.

Published: 15/03/2005