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Under The Trees
18 Sept 2023
- Glasgow and Strathclyde
- Investment
- Support
Under The Trees is an outdoor education charity based in Falkirk, delivering wellbeing and play sessions for the public, schools and other charities. They recently received a loan from Social Investment Scotland to finance a new van enabling them to run more sessions and reach more young people.
Under The Trees believe that everyone should have the opportunity to engage with their natural environment, regardless of their background or ability. As the organisation grew, their need to transport equipment from location to location became increasingly complex.
The team found themselves using their own cars to get kit to and from sessions and it became apparent that a new vehicle was required. Furthermore, they needed a specific model of accessible van for one of their team members.
However, financing a new van was a challenge. The busy team wanted to work with an organisation that could understand their specific needs.
That's when they found Social Investment Scotland whose approach was much more flexible than traditional car finance, and they understood the importance of Under The Trees' work.
SIS loaned Under The Trees £12,500 to finance their new van. The Under The Trees team was delighted with the support, especially the streamlined paperwork process.
The van is now in use and has had a significant impact on Under The Trees' work. It has enabled them to easily transport equipment to outdoor sessions and support a new cycling project. With the van, they can offer all participants a bike to use, rather than asking people to bring their own.
Social enterprises like Under The Trees are making a real difference in the world. They're providing opportunities for the community that it wouldn't otherwise have.
They're helping children, young people and adults including those with additional needs to develop skills, build confidence, and connect with nature. The loan from Social Investment Scotland has made it possible for them to continue their work and reach even more people.
We found SIS easy to work with. Their approach was flexible and they understood our needs. The van purchase has meant we have been able to reduce the use of personal cars. Having a slightly larger vehicle has meant that we've been able to take advantage of opportunities to gather free materials for the creation of our new outdoor training venue! It will also help us deliver the cycling activities and bicycle trials we have planned later in 2023!
Steven Gregory De La Rosa
Senior Outdoor Officer, Under The Trees
Under The Trees is a fantastic example of an initiative making a positive impact on a community for generations to come. Scotland has an abundance of natural settings to discover and the team at Under The Trees are experts in providing outdoor educational experiences. We are delighted to have been able to support them in purchasing a suitable van. This will enable more people to have the opportunity to learn about the natural environment and make life for the team just a little bit easier!
John Cornwall
Investment Manager, Social Investment Scotland