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New trees, hedgerows and homes for wildlife are flourishing across the North of England thanks to Northern Gas Networks (NGN), White Rose Forest, Humber Forest, Community Forest Trust and local volunteers including schoolchildren.

Northern Gas Networks delivers gas to 2.9 million homes and businesses across the North of England through its network of pipes, and as part of its vision for a fairer, greener future for this region it has been supporting various projects as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability.

NGN has funded the planting of new trees and hedgerows which provide a wide range of environmental and social benefits. These include improving air quality, connecting people with nature to support wellbeing, enhancing local areas and creating ‘homes for nature’ to boost biodiversity at more than 100 sites across the north of England – all within 1km of one of its gas pipes.

Many of the trees have been planted by local volunteers from schools, colleges and community action groups.

Neil Whalley, Head of Environment and Sustainability at Northern Gas Networks, said: “This programme tackles poor air quality in urban areas in our region, and we’re very proud of the results so far.

“Our customers constantly tell us that environmental performance is extremely important to them, and we work closely with our partners to manage the land on our patch to benefit the environment.

“There are so many benefits with a project like this, which is entirely funded by our shareholders. We’ve focused on planting species of trees known to improve air quality by trapping air to maximise the benefits of our scheme. We also listened to our stakeholders and expanded our project to include new hedgerows too, as we know they can provide important habitat and pathways for wildlife.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has been involved – especially the local volunteers who have given up their time to plant trees.”

NGN has worked closely with White Rose Forest, which covers North and West Yorkshire, and Humber Forest, which works in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire – all areas covered by NGN’s large network.

Iwan Downey, White Rose Forest Programme Director, said: “Funding from Northern Gas Networks over the last five years has been hugely helpful in enabling the White Rose Forest partnership to plant more trees and hedgerows where they are needed the most for communities across North and West Yorkshire.

“We know that trees and woodland provide such a wide range of benefits for nature, our environment, people and places.”

Leah Cave, Humber Forest Partnership Manager, said: “Humber Forest would like to thank Northern Gas Networks for the funding provided to support tree planting across Hull and East Yorkshire.

“We have been able to increase tree cover particularly in urban areas, as well as working with communities and schools to help engage people with their environment. The new tree planting and hedgerows created will provide many benefits to the environment and wildlife, and hopefully the volunteers who planted them will enjoy watching them grow and thrive.”

Key stats taken from Northern Gas Networks’ 2024-25 Annual Environment Report – include:

• Since 2021, Northern Gas Networks has supported the planting of more than 52,000 trees in its entire region, exceeding its original target of 40,000
• This tree planting programme is estimated to deliver over £22m in lifetime societal and environmental benefits to its communities by 2050, including air quality improvements valued at £1.65m (more on this here)
• Since 2017, Northern Gas Networks has created over 100 ‘homes for nature’ – the creation of habitat and changing vegetation management on its own land to encourage biodiversity., with a commitment to create 250 by 2026
• In 2024/25, Northern Gas Networks’ total carbon emissions fell by 7% compared to the previous year by a determined focus on reducing gas leakage

Find out more about Northern Gas Networks’ commitment to sustainability and the environment in its 2024-25 Annual Environment Report

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out road reinstatement work in Harden, near Bingley, West Yorkshire.

So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some temporary traffic management measures will be put in place.

From 7am on Wednesday 15 October, the Wilsden Road/Harden Lane bridge outside the Malt Shovel pub will be closed until 8am on Thursday 16 October. There will be a clearly signed diversion for motorists.

Chris Green, Business Operations Lead at Northern Gas Networks said: “This work will involve our teams resurfacing the road after our recent essential gas works. We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is to carry out essential work in Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, to replace the ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Thornaby, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project, which is expected to last until around the middle of November, has been planned in collaboration with Stockton Borough Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place.

From Monday 20 October, temporary traffic lights will be in place on Thornaby Road/A1045 at the junction of Victoria Road. During the work, the lights will move south along Thornaby Road up to the junction of Grange Road. The lights will be manned at peak times to minimise disruption.

Nick Younger, Site Manager at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Thornaby.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work in Haltwhistle, Northumberland to replace the ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Haltwhistle, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project has been planned in collaboration with Northumberland County Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some traffic management measures have been put in place.

Park Road in Haltwhistle is closed to motorists until the Christmas period. For two weeks over Christmas, the road closure will be lifted, before the closure is reinstated in January 2026. A signed diversion is in place for motorists, and access will be maintained where possible.

Rob Garrod, Site Manager at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Haltwhistle.

“Due to the complexity of the work, we do not yet have a confirmed date for the full reopening of Park Road. As soon as we have this we will provide an update. I’d like to thank all the residents for their patience and understanding.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

The Carents Room – which receives funding from Northern Gas Networks (NGN) – is celebrating the first ever ‘Carents Day’ to recognise and support the millions of adults in the UK caring for elderly parents.

Alongside fellow gas distribution network Cadent, Northern Gas Networks – which delivers gas to 2.9 million homes and business across the North of England – started supporting The Carents Room charity in 2023 with £1.1m of funding from its Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA).

Carents – a combination of ‘carer’ and ‘parent’ – describes people caring for frail and vulnerable older family members. It’s estimated that 57% of all carers in the UK – around 4 million people – are in this category. These carers face daily emotional, physical and financial pressures and can often feel invisible, isolated and unsupported.

The funding has been used to build, operate and promote the interactive website for carents to use to access instant online support anywhere in the UK.

Last winter, the funding also helped promote the organisation on two million prescription bags in pharmacies nationwide, featuring information about The Carents Room’s services and a QR code for carents to scan for instant information about help and resources available. This includes advice on signing up for the Priority Service Register (PSR), which provides access to additional help for vulnerable households if they experience an unexpected interruption in their gas supply, and tips on protecting themselves and family members against the dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO).

Carents Day on 9 October will provide carents the chance to pause, connect with others in the same situation and learn how best to manage this difficult life stage while protecting their own physical and mental wellbeing.

The Carents Room was launched in 2020 by Dr Jackie Gray, a GP based in Tyneside – which is in Northern Gas Networks’ region.

She said: “Northern Gas Networks are outstanding partners, and we’re deeply grateful for their support. They have played a pivotal role in helping us expand our reach to carers across the region and beyond.

“Their unwavering commitment to supporting customers in vulnerable situations shines through in everything they do. They truly understand the challenges carents and older adults face, and are dedicated to making life easier for both.

“We’re living longer lives and the health service hasn’t adjusted to the needs of the very elderly. From my work as a GP and seeing the challenges of elderly people living with frailty, these people and family members that care for them are often invisible and underserved. At Carents we are bridging that gap.”

Eileen Brown, Customer Experience Director at Northern Gas Networks, said: “Carents are truly the unsung heroes of our communities, providing essential support to those in need. By investing in the wellbeing of carers, we not only enhance their quality of life but also strengthen the support available for their loved ones.

“We’re extremely proud to support The Carents Room as it’s a very special organisation close to the hearts of many of our colleagues, and we will be taking time on 9 October to recognise the amazing carents in our region.”

Events planned on the day include free, online sessions for carents focusing on promoting their mental and physical wellbeing – find out more here. The sessions will be recorded and made available to watch after 9 October.

One of Northern Gas Networks’ successful colleague communities is the Parents and Carers community. This was set up in 2021 and explores how parents and carers can be better supported within the workplace. The community aims to understand the unique needs of parents and carers, and advocate for initiatives that promote a more inclusive and supportive working environment.

Find out more about The Carents Room

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is to carry out essential work in Sunderland installing protective barriers to protect the gas network.

The project is expected to last until Friday 10 October. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place.

The new barriers are required to protect a gas governor on Shields Road in Sunderland, outside Seaburn Dene New Church, close to the roundabout which leads on to Newcastle Road. From Monday 6 October, the inside lane from the roundabout which leads to Cleadon will be closed.

Andrew Rodda, Site Manager at Northern Gas Networks, said: “The safety of our customers and engineers is our number one priority, and closing this lane is essential in ensuring the public and our teams stay safe at all times.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience at this time and apologise for any inconvenience, however this work is essential to protect the gas network in this area.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is to carry out essential work in Pocklington to replace the ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Pocklington, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project, which is expected to last until around the end of October, has been planned in collaboration with East Riding of Yorkshire Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place.

From Monday 13 October, a road closure will be in place on The Mile between the roundabout with Garths End and Maxwell Road and the junction of Kirkland Street for around three weeks.

The work will then move to Maxwell Road and the same roundabout, where temporary traffic lights will be in place for a further three weeks.

A clearly signed diversion will be in place for motorists, and access for businesses and residents will be maintained where possible throughout this project.

Mark Mawhood, Operations Manager at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Pocklington.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is to carry out essential work in Leeds to replace the ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Leeds, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project, which is expected to last until around the start of December, has been planned in collaboration with Leeds City Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place.

From Monday 10 November, there will be a road closure on Potternewton Lane, at the junction of Scott Hall Road. Traffic will be able to travel eastbound, but will not be able to travel westbound.

Chris Reed, Central Operations Lead at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Leeds.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.