Published on: 30 October 2025
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust was named a winner at the recent NHS Forest Awards 2025.
This was in the category of ‘Green Space on a Budget Award’ and was in recognition of the 2,000 trees that were planted at South Tyneside District Hospital.
Judges praised the outstanding teamwork, community spirit and strong partnership working that made the project a success.
Several types of trees were donated by NHS Forest and planted by a team of dedicated volunteers earlier this year.
Species planted include Dogwood, Field Maple, Hawthorn, Crab Apple, Bird Cherry, Rowan, and Hazel. All chosen to support biodiversity and enhance the local ecosystem.
The initiative is part of the Trust’s wider Green Plan, which sets out its commitment to reducing environmental impact and contributing to national NHS carbon reduction targets.
The trees will create a greener space for patients, visitors and staff and play an important role by storing carbon to benefit the wider environment.
Once mature, the trees will form a natural barrier between the hospital and John Reid Road, helping to reduce noise pollution, absorb emissions and provide vital nectar and fruit for local wildlife.
Ken Bremner, Chief Executive at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised with an NHS Forest Award for our work at South Tyneside District Hospital.
“Planting 2,000 trees is a symbol of our commitment to creating a cleaner and greener environment for our staff and our patients. We are committed to ensuring that while we care for people’s health today, we also protect the planet for future generations.
“I’d like to thank everyone who was involved in this project, especially those who volunteered their time to plant. This award shows that even with limited resources, we can make a lasting impact.”
The work forms part of the Trust’s green plan to improve biodiversity and helping the Trust move towards national NHS carbon reduction targets.
NHS Forest is an alliance of health sites working to transform their green space to realise its full potential for health, wellbeing and biodiversity, and to encourage engagement with nature. It is run by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, an independent UK charity, as part of its Green Space for Health programme.
The NHS Forest Awards were presented at the NHS Forest’s annual conference. The awards celebrate the role of the NHS green estate being used strategically to support health and wellbeing of staff, patients and the wider community.
