Planting 850 Trees with LyondellBasell in Luboń on April 12, 2025
Planting 850 Trees with LyondellBasell in Luboń on April 12, 2025
April 12, 2025 is a date we will remember for a long time – that day, together with volunteers from LyondellBasell, we planted 850 trees and shrubs in Luboń, creating a new pocket forest. It’s yet another green initiative carried out by the One More Tree Foundation, promoting urban greenery, community engagement, and climate action.
A Pocket Forest – Small Space, Big Change
A pocket forest is a small plot where a diverse mix of trees, shrubs, and forest-floor plants is planted densely. Thanks to this biodiversity and compact layout, the area quickly starts to function as a natural, self-sustaining ecosystem. It acts as an air filter, retains rainwater, lowers the surrounding temperature, and becomes a haven for insects, birds, and small animals. In cities, it’s one of the most effective ways to bring nature back where concrete has taken over.
The Species that Will Form the Future Forest
In Luboń, we planted a carefully selected mix of native and pollinator-friendly species – plants that thrive in urban conditions and support local biodiversity. Each plays a unique yet equally vital role in this mini forest:
- Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) – A majestic tree with a wide canopy, providing shelter for insects, birds, and mammals. Considered a symbol of strength and longevity, it can live for centuries and form the backbone of the forest.
- European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) – With dense foliage and a graceful shape, this tree is resistant to urban pollution and pruning. Its leaves remain on the branches long into winter, offering cover in colder months.
- Small-leaved Lime (Tilia cordata) – One of the best trees for pollinators, especially bees. Its fragrant flowers offer rich nectar while improving air quality and soothing the senses.
- Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) and Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) – Fast-growing trees that provide shade, absorb pollution, and enrich the soil. Their seeds are a food source for birds and rodents.
- Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) – A shrub with powerful ecological and medicinal properties. Its flowers attract insects, and its berries feed birds. Historically valued for its healing uses.
- Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica) – A low shrub with striking red flowers. Its fruits, though sour, are edible and important for wildlife.
- Common Pear (Pyrus communis) and Wild Apple (Malus sylvestris) – Wild fruit trees that naturally feed birds and mammals. Their blossoms support pollinators, while the fruits sustain local fauna. Preserving such native varieties helps protect genetic diversity.
This species diversity – in growth rate, size, ecological role, and resilience – ensures that our pocket forest will become increasingly self-sufficient and effective every year.
Employee Volunteering – Green Energy from People
A key element of this initiative was the incredible involvement of LyondellBasell employees. Employee volunteering is more than just lending a hand – it’s about real, shared responsibility for the environment, the climate, and our quality of life. With enthusiasm and commitment, volunteers helped plant trees while learning how a pocket forest works and how much change can come from just one afternoon with a shovel in hand.
For many, this was their first hands-on nature activity – and we hope it won’t be the last! We’re thrilled to see more companies making green action a part of their organizational culture.
Thank You for Being With Us
Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who helped create the Luboń pocket forest. Thanks to you, a space was created that will benefit the community, local wildlife, and the planet for many years to come.
Thank you to the LyondellBasell employees who gave their time and energy. Thank you to the local community for welcoming this initiative. And thank you to nature – for always giving us a chance to start anew.
At the One More Tree Foundation, we believe every planted tree is a step toward a better future. And together with you – we can take many more steps.
