250 plants dedicated to the city of Milan. This is Pilot Italia’s contribution to the Forestami project
Twelve names that may seem unknown, and in fact they often are: Common Oak, Hornbeam, Ash, Alder, Cherry, Roverella, Cornel, Privet, Scots Pine, Manna Ash, Maple and Dogrose. These are the tree species that have been planted to create the Pilot Forest. At the moment only the branches of these 250 trees can be seen poking out of the ground.
“A tree of this size is only 2 years old. From today, it will start growing rapidly and without stopping,” explained Paolo Viganò of Rete Clima. “The smaller the tree, the faster it grows. And as the vegetation grows and develops, it absorbs a lot of Co2.”
The Pilot Forest will cover an area of 1000 sqm and is located inside the North Park of Milan. It is part of a large circular area designed to be enjoyed and visited by people. An ellipse-shaped area will be created in the middle of the green field that has been planted, which will contain tall trees as well as some wetlands with ponds to attract insects and birds to the Pilot Forest. Amphibians, frogs and different species of birds will transform this area into a real biodiversity hotspot.
Plants used as a pencil to draw the environment. It seems strange, but that’s how it is. Seen from above, what today is a green field will be a forest inhabited by different insects and animals that together with the plants will draw and outline sinuous and unusual shapes.
The sensation of putting plants in the ground and helping nature to take back the anthropomorphic spaces is also unusual. The Pilot Forest participates in this initiative as part of the ambitious and concrete Forestami project launched by the City of Milan whose goal is to plant 3 million trees in the metropolitan area by 2030.
“Planting a tree is a unique and special experience,” says Andrea Vimercati COO of Pilot Italia, – “and it is the second activity that our company has decided to carry out to help the environment. A year ago we installed 1,694 solar panels on the company’s roof, today we have planted 250 trees. We believe in the importance of taking concrete action to improve the environment. We know that there is much to do and that no one can feel excluded, or blameless. We like the idea of doing something for the environment, as well as for Milan, since our family has strong historical ties to this city.”
“One of the values of Pilot Italia is the creation of wellbeing. I am not referring to economic wellbeing, but rather to living well in a way that is kind and respectful towards the environment and people. We are very active on these issues, especially regarding the staff who work with us. To continue along this path, the forestation activity seemed to fit perfectly with our company values.”
“We like the idea of having created something to give to the community. The trees that we plant today will become places of leisure, relaxation, rest and study for everyone who chooses to spend their time here in the coming years. This is why I believe that the wellbeing will be doubled. On the one hand, the “physical” wellbeing linked to the environment and the absorption of CO2 that the Pilot Forest can guarantee, and on the other hand, perhaps more important, is the mental wellbeing that comes from visiting a place inhabited by plants and nature.”
