Penny Black’s Social Diary: Markerstudy’s green fingers

Markerstudy team get their hands dirty

Markerstudy has swapped insurance policies for planting as part of its latest sustainability push.

Eight colleagues from across the group rolled up their sleeves at Crow Plain Farm in Kent, partnering with Treeapp to support biodiversity and help create a more resilient local ecosystem.

The site is currently undergoing a rewilding transition, with land taken out of production and restored using natural methods to create a haven for wildlife. 

The Markerstudy team pitched in by planting Aspen trees interspersed with Dog Rose, providing shelter for birds and animals while helping to rebuild the habitat.

Among those donning their gardening gloves were Lizzie Smith-Foreman, chief marketing, communications and sustainability officer, and Martin Wills, managing director of Vision Vehicles, who also took time to learn more about the farm’s nature-first approach to soil health and biodiversity.

Smith-Foreman said: “As part of our Green Legacy Project we have pledged to restore 1,000,000m2 of degraded or at-risk area across the UK over the next decade, with the aim to help protect our communities, colleagues and customers from the effects of climate change. 

“The team had a terrific day meeting Jack, who is the fifth generation of his family to farm this land, and you couldn’t help but be inspired by his enthusiasm, dedication and knowledge. 

“Initiatives like this are a practical reminder that progress towards sustainability doesn’t always require large‑scale projects, sometimes it begins with simple, purposeful contributions that make a difference – one tree at a time!”

Penny’s Lunch Box

Surely, it’s Pimm’s o’clock?

For those already dreaming of Wimbledon, strawberries made an early appearance at Insurtech Insights conference albeit paired with chocolate rather than centre court.

Taste? Five stars. Presentation? One. Plastic cups? Really. Must do better.