We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: not all data centres are built the same. While huge hyperscale data centres are often built on green space in rural areas, high-density modular data centres require far less room. They can be built into existing infrastructure in urban areas, meaning little or no green space gets taken over in the process.

This is exactly the case with our DG01 Urmston data centre, which is built into the move Urmston Leisure Centre, in Trafford, Greater Manchester. This Manchester data centre sits on just six square metres of green space and is designed to deliver a cut in carbon emissions for the neighbouring leisure centre. In line with our broader mission, we wanted to further contribute to the local environment and remove residual carbon in the Manchester area.  We’re collaborating with City of Trees, the Community Forest for Greater Manchester, by funding a number of their Citizen Forester events in Trafford.

City of Trees coordinates the Trafford Countryside and Nature Partnership, working alongside a wide range of organisations, businesses and communities in improving and enjoying Trafford’s countryside and nature. The partnership’s work is primarily focused on the 220 hectares of council-owned land across the Mersey Valley. The Citizen Forester events bring together local community members to take care of green spaces in this area by planting trees, looking after existing woodlands, and promoting biodiversity.

The Citizen Forester programme, funded by Deep Green

City of Trees’  Citizen Forester events in Trafford range from removing invasive species to managing the woodland to planting trees. The events are free and don’t require prior experience, with people invited to drop in for an hour or stay the whole day.

We spoke to Alex Bedford, Head of Partnerships at City of Trees, who told us that the events attract a mix of residents, schools, community groups, local businesses, and ward councillors. “They’re really open to all abilities and all ages. People can bring their kids down as well, and really get stuck in,” he says.

City of Trees’ year-long programme in Trafford includes ‘balsam bashing’ events in May and June where people remove balsam plants that block sunlight from native plants and trees. “Balsam bashing is really simple to do,” Alex explains. “After a quick tutorial, people can wander off on their own and get stuck in. You can really see the impact you’ve had.”

Later in the summer, City of Trees will run woodland management events, where teams will clear footpaths, install signage and raise canopies. Then, in late October, tree planting will begin.

Thanks to Deep Green’s investment, City of Trees will run five Citizen Forester events across five different locations in Trafford, all close to our Manchester data centre. “We’re focusing on the hyperlocal community,” Alex says, “so local people can take part and feel connected to improvements in their area.”

City of Trees’ community focus was especially compelling for The Pond Foundation, which audited the tree planting programme ahead of Deep Green’s investment. “What City of Trees are doing is great work,” says Scott Poynton, Founder and Board President at Pond Foundation. “From building a love of nature among the community to supporting mental health, and backing up their impact with evidence, we were very excited to recommend the programme to Deep Green.”

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How planting trees helps the community thrive

Digging holes in the earth, reaching down to pull out balsam plants, and carrying shrubs all work up a sweat, helping locals stay physically active. As for mental health, participants report an increase in confidence and reduced loneliness as a result of the Citizen Forester programme. “We get amazing feedback,” Alex says. “People become custodians; they feel ownership of these sites and look after them. Someone can plant a tree in year one, then tend to it in year five and see how much it’s grown.”

For people living in cities, “nature often feels inaccessible,” Alex explains. City of Trees wants to shift people’s mindset and demonstrate that nature is more accessible than they think. By being in these green spaces and working to cultivate the land for the future, people strengthen their relationship to local green spaces. “For people who are worried about climate change or the biodiversity crisis, it can be very powerful,” Alex adds.

Through its Citizen Forester events, City of Trees wants to promote ‘a culture of trees’ in the wider community and counteract the large skill shortage in the urban forestry sector. People who participate in the Citizen Forester tree planting often become inspired to develop their green skills further. The organisation supports people new to the sector who want to become trained by funding apprenticeships with the University of Cumbria. Even for those who don’t want to stay in the green sector, taking part in tree planting can still help them professionally. “They often gain a lot of confidence, make some connections, or have something else to put on their CV. They can take all of these things forward into their career,” Alex says.

Combining pioneering compute with community impact

At Deep Green, we invest in Citizen Forester events because we believe we have a responsibility to leave a positive, lasting impact on the communities in which we operate. “Deep Green are at the cutting edge of things,” Alex says, “but also really conscious of their impact, both environmentally and on local communities.” Based in Manchester? Come down to one of our Citizen Forester events and help make your city greener.

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