STAFF at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre (NOC) have joined forces with local school children and residents to launch a green scheme.

Workers at the Centre in Headington, Oxford, planted apple trees and woodland bulbs around their grounds.

They were joined by pupils from an eco-group at Windmill Primary School in Margaret Road, Headington, and members of the Low Carbon Headington group.

It was all part of an ongoing project to reduce waste and raise awareness about the importance of reducing carbon emissions.

Joanna Foster, chairwoman of the Centre, said the planting was an important step forward in the fight to be more environmentally friendly.

She added: “It is vital that organisations such as the NHS become more proactive and take their carbon responsibilities more seriously.

“It’s also helpful for the NOC to work with its neighbours and the community to develop such plans.”

A grant towards the cost of the trees came from Oxford City Council, after members of the Low Carbon Headington group applied for it.

The group is made up of Headington residents intent on raising awareness of climate change and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.

Mrs Foster added: “The tree planting is a symbolic step to mark our on-going joint commitment.

“We were delighted that the children from Windmill Primary School were able to share the day with us.

“They planted daffodil bulbs in the small woodland garden area at the edge of our site, which is open to, and frequently used by, local residents.”

Mrs Foster said it was important for local people to get involved with NHS schemes like these: “Working together on these projects makes good sense – we all care a lot about our environment and it’s great that these youngsters and local residents are interested in our ‘green’ efforts.”

In addition to the tree planting, a large number of staff are cycling to work and Mrs Foster said there had been an “enthusiastic take-up” of the NOC’s waste recycling programme.

She added: “We’ll play an ongoing part in raising awareness as to why this is so important and what we can all do to make a difference.”

Mrs Foster is leaving the NOC in November and a brass plaque will be unveiled in honour of her contribution to work at the Centre. It will be positioned alongside one of the trees.