In a significant move towards ecological sustainability, Quickline, which is deploying full fibre (FTTP) and fixed wireless (FWA) networks in rural Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, announced the planting of 10,000 trees. This initiative is a collaborative effort with GreenTheUK and the Royal Forestry Society, aimed at enhancing biodiversity and climate resilience in areas aligned with the company’s broadband rollout. The majority of trees—6,000 in North Yorkshire and 500 in West Yorkshire—have been planted in locations where the network expansion is underway.
The project emphasizes the importance of planting native and naturalised species. These trees are carefully selected to ensure they thrive in their respective environments, supporting local ecosystems and improving biodiversity.
Funding for this environmental effort comes from approximately £300 million of public subsidy via four Project Gigabit contracts, complemented by around £225 million in loans and guarantees from the UK Infrastructure Bank, as well as a £25 million loan from NatWest. Additionally, the initiative benefits from a substantial private investment of £500 million from Northleaf Capital Partners.
Quickline aims to connect 200,000 premises with FTTP by the end of 2025, a significant increase from the 65,000 premises connected in November 2023. This expansion not only improves connectivity in rural areas but also contributes positively to ecological standards and climate resilience.