The Ansell UK Medical team joined the Peacock Fly Fishing Club for a day of hands-on environmental work along the banks of the River Lathkill. The Club is part of the historic Haddon Estate, which is home to the UK’s only wild population of Rainbow Trout—making this conservation effort especially meaningful for the local ecosystem.

Together, the team planted 100 native hazel trees (Corylus avellana) along the riverbanks. These fast-growing, flexible trees are not only well-suited for conservation work but will also be harvested after 5–7 years. The cut stems will be bundled and reintroduced into the river to create natural habitats, offering shelter for fish and even influencing the river’s path.

“The goal is to provide future local materials to use for habitat in the river,” explained Jan Hobot, highlighting the sustainable vision behind the initiative.

Riverside biodiversity plays a key role in supporting ecosystems—helping regulate temperature, improve water quality, prevent erosion, and enhance habitats for countless species. The hazel trees will not only protect the riverbanks but also contribute to long-term carbon sequestration and flood management. All to ensure thriving waterways for generations to come.

Thank you to Jan Hobot and Mark Neillings from the Peacock Fly Fishing Club for their collaboration. We’re proud to be part of this journey and look forward to seeing the lasting benefits these trees bring to the River Lathkill.