CHESTER-BASED holiday accommodation company Sykes has extended its partnership with National Parks.

Over the next three years, funding from the holiday cottage company will help National Parks deliver a series of new projects across the country to restore and create habitats and connect more people with nature.

The first initiatives include contributing to tree planting efforts within the South Downs National Park and the installation of a nursery irrigation system for the Exmoor National Park project. The latter aims to produce 10,000 trees annually for its temperate rainforest nature recovery and community projects across the area.

Sykes’ funding will also be used to create a digital nature map which will show where each project is within the UK and when it has been delivered, as well as supporting the launch of this year’s National Parks Photography Competition to raise awareness of locations which need protection.

The holiday cottage rental agency first partnered with National Parks UK in 2017 and has since supported multiple projects throughout the country, including planting a new orchard with the Platt’s Wood Community Project, as well as working with the Cheshire Wildlife Trust to plant wildflowers.

James Shaw, Managing Director of Sykes Holiday Cottages said: “Signing this new partnership with National Parks UK will allow us to continue to be a part of the extraordinary work they do in preserving and protecting our country’s unique landscapes.

“For over 70 years, National Parks UK have inspired the public to enjoy the great outdoors and we look forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the next three years.”

Nick Heasman, Countryside and Policy Manager at the South Downs National Parks Authority said: “Our treescape supports a wealth of wildlife, from rare insects to nesting birds and complex fungi, and a single mature tree provides enough oxygen to sustain 10 people annually. However, our trees face many threats from pests, diseases, and climate change.

“Increasing the number and diversity of native trees and carefully introducing new species is crucial, which is why we’ve planted over 60,000 trees with the support of local communities and businesses, including our latest supporter, Sykes.”

Graeme McVittie, Senior Woodland Officer at Exmoor National Park Authority said: “As we work to restore and grow the temperate rainforest on Exmoor, it's crucial that we have control over where our seeds come from and how we grow healthy trees.

“That's why creating our own tree nursery, which will drive the rainforest recovery, is so important. The automatic watering system Sykes is supporting, which uses collected rainwater, helps us minimise our energy use while ensuring our plants stay healthy and strong.”

Sykes achieved B Corp certification last year, marking a major milestone in the holiday let agency’s ambition to make a positive contribution to its people, the planet, and communities it serves.

It now employs more than a thousand people throughout the UK and has operated its headquarters in Chester for the past 28 years.