Happy hens
The Woodland concept was born in 2001 when free-range egg producer, John Widdowson, observed that his hens appeared happier to range further in areas with the shade and protection of trees.
Their behaviour stems from birds’ natural ‘jungle fowl’ instinct to shelter and protect themselves from predators. As a result, Woodland eggs were first introduced into Sainsbury’s stores in 2004, with Woodland chicken following in 2009.
Woodland birds are free to range in a natural woodland environment, encouraging them to roam and forage as nature intended, whilst producing great tasting eggs, chicken and turkey.
Woodland farms are planted with trees covering at least 20% of the range, including slow growing native species such as oak, ash and cherry.
Two million trees
For every Woodland product sold, Sainsbury’s makes a donation to the Woodland Trust to support tree planting activities across the UK.
This supports our ‘More Trees, More Good’ campaign and also helps Sainsbury’s towards their ambition to plant two million trees over the next five years.
Two pence from every Woodland chicken and one penny from every dozen Woodland eggs sold is donated to the Woodland Trust.
And new for Christmas 2010, Sainsbury’s Woodland turkeys will mean a further donation of £10,000 towards our work.
More than £800,000
Donations from the sales of Woodland products have so far raised over £800,000 for the Woodland Trust.
This year, 10,000 free sapling kits will also provide 300,000 children across the UK the opportunity to plant a tree through Sainsbury’s Active Kids programme with schools.
“The partnership between Sainsbury’s and the Trust has certainly come a long way since we first started working together in 2004," said Sue Holden, Chief Executive of the Woodland Trust.
"Not only has it been pioneering in pushing forward hen welfare, but has also led to more than 200,000 trees being planted.
"Thousands of these trees have been planted by schoolchildren and community groups through the Trust’s hedge and copse packs which Sainsbury’s now completely funds.
"So this coming year, 10,000 schools and 300,000 children living in the UK will be able to plant a tree thanks to Sainsbury’s contribution to the Trust’s work!
"This is an enormous achievement and one which will grow and grow as our relationship continues to develop.
"From a Woodland Trust point of view, we feel Sainsbury's is an ethical brand which we are very happy to be associated with.
"Together we really are making a real difference.”
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