At Derbyshire Homes, their philosophy is simple – to deliver outstanding craftsmanship to build the most distinguished homes that exceed client expectations. Based in Geelong, Derbyshire Homes was established  in the 1980’s and over a 25 year period has since gathered a team of creative experts who all have the same core values of quality, communication, pride and integrity.

We take the responsibility for our impact on the environment very seriously. Every home we build is as sustainable and energy efficient as it can be. Today we take that a step further. Derbyshire is now committed to planting trees for every home we build to offset our carbon footprint and have a positive impact on the environment.

This is one step of many as we embark on an exciting new partnership with Fifteen Trees.

Peter Derbyshire | Managing Director | Derbyshire Homes

The team from Derbyshire Homes have taken the idea of home a step further, with a purchase of 100 trees for the Brisbane Ranges, VIC. Over time, many native animals (including koalas, possums, and a myriad of birds) will be making these trees their homes.

The trees (a mixture of local species of Acacia, Banksia, Bursaria and Eucalyptus) were planted in the Brisbane Ranges, VIC. by Brisbane Ranges Landcare. Importantly, Derbyshire Homes also purchased the tree guards for this project. A tree guard helps keep the new seedlings from grazers, in particular rabbits and kangaroos. Inside the plastic sleeves, a microclimate is created also helping protect from harsh UV, drifting sand, frost, and wind. The guards are removed (and reused if not too damaged) between 12 and 18 months.

The planting site was on the Geelong-Ballan Road, on northern side of the Brisbane Ranges National Park. On Durdidwarrah Land. The planting group worked with a Land Management Consultant to help develop a plan, with particular emphasis on planting indigenous vegetation. In time, this site will be a thriving native corridor for the local population of koalas, echidnas, reptiles, kangaroos and wombats, as they make their way to and from the National Park nearby.

There is a lovely feeling of balance about planting trees at the same time as building a house. They are two versions of home. Both essential for life as we know it, both requiring skill and care to bring them into being. When Derbyshire builds are complete, the trees that we planted for them will be establishing themselves deep in the earth, preparing for long lives of providing habitat, shelter, and food for native creatures.

Thank you Derbyshire Homes for your support.

If you would like to know more about sponsoring community tree planting projects and how we can assist you in becoming a more sustainable business, please contact Colleen at <[email protected]>.

Writer: Colleen Filippa

With a background in Environmental Science, Colleen is the Founding Director of Fifteen Trees. In 2009, after 20 years in primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions, Colleen left the classroom to start the company. Fifteen Trees is a social enterprise assisting individuals and companies to reduce their carbon footprint by supporting community groups such as Landcare, schools and environmental networks.