Goodwood, West Sussex – 25 June 2025
In a gesture that intertwines community, conservation, and continuity, Year 2 pupils from The March CE Primary School have planted the first tree on the extension site of the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood. The ceremonial planting of a young elderberry tree marks the beginning of an ambitious biodiversity programme that underscores the marque’s deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship.
The occasion saw 30 pupils gather beside Footpath 417 – a well-loved public right of way recently upgraded by Rolls-Royce – to plant the symbolic tree. Over the coming months, the elderberry will be joined by thousands of native trees and shrubs, forming part of a sweeping ecological enhancement plan designed to exceed the 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) threshold stipulated under planning consent.
“It feels wholly appropriate that the first new tree should be planted by children from our local school,” said Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “As the elderberry tree grows and flourishes, so too will they. We are proud to mark this moment with The March CE Primary School, reaffirming a valued and enduring partnership.”
In addition to planting the tree, the children sowed native wildflower and grass seeds across the new earth bund – a sculpted landscape feature designed to help integrate the development into its rural surroundings. Once established, the meadow will attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, forming a vibrant, living corridor that supports the wider ecosystem.
To commemorate their contribution, each child received a personalised trowel – a practical and symbolic keepsake to inspire a continued interest in the natural world.
This event represents the first chapter in an extensive green transformation for the site. Rolls-Royce’s extension project goes beyond architecture and engineering, placing equal importance on integrating harmoniously with the local environment. The tree planting forms part of a broader programme that includes habitat generation, footpath restoration, and landscape sensitively aligned with the South Downs.
The upgraded Footpath 417, which reopened in December 2024, is already being enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike, offering improved access through a revitalised natural setting.
By involving the next generation in its sustainability journey, Rolls-Royce not only reinforces its ties to the community but also instils in young minds a sense of guardianship for the world they will inherit. The elderberry tree, modest in stature today, stands as a growing testament to that shared future.
