MORE than £250,000 has been raised by environmentally aware businesses across the UK to help restore natural woodlands in the Yorkshire Dales - thanks to a thriving scheme designed to encourage greener driving.

In 2011, one of the UK’s largest commercial fuel card resellers, The Fuelcard Company, launched the EcoPoint scheme to raise money to support the environmental conservation work of Clapham-based charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT).

The scheme allows customers to contribute a nominal amount per fuel card, per month, towards tree planting, supporting the charity’s work to restore native woodlands and bring long term benefits for the environment, communities and wildlife of the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding area.

Over the past 12 months, The Fuelcard Company has donated £257,561.15, making a vital contribution to the landscape, and helping to create a living legacy for future generations.

David Sharrod, YDMT director, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to The Fuelcard Company and all their customers for their dedicated support. The incredible amount of money that has been raised so far will enable us to continue working with our partners to grow our important woodland restoration work across the Yorkshire Dales and beyond.

"Together we are restoring part of our natural landscape that has been lost due to deforestation and rebuilding habitats for hundreds of species of wildlife.”

This work is part of the Dales Woodland Restoration Programme which is delivered and funded by a partnership including YDMT, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and Forestry Commission. It aims to double the amount of native woodland in the Yorkshire Dales by 2020 through an extensive tree planting programme.

Richard Brown, head of customer management at The Fuelcard Company, said: “Transport accounts for one-fifth of the total carbon emissions in Britain. In today's climate, more than ever, every drop of fuel counts. So it's essential we work together to reduce our environmental impact.

"As a business committed to a greener future, we are always looking for ways to reduce the carbon footprint and that of our customers.

“EcoPoint is a greener way to manage fuel. It enables our customers to enjoy all the cost-saving benefits of their fuel card as well as demonstrating their commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and playing their part in protecting the environment.”

Businesses wishing to take part in the EcoPoint scheme should contact The Fuelcard Company on 0845 456 1400 or to find our more about creating a woodland, call Chris Lodge at YDMT on 015242 51002.