Phoenix Energy has provided native saplings to the Lyric Theatre in Northern Ireland for a tree-planting programme marking the theatre's 75th anniversary. The effort involves 50 primary schools across the region, where pupils will plant the trees on school grounds as part of the theatre's 'Waste Busters' touring production.

The saplings come through Phoenix Energy's partnership with The Conservation Volunteers. Schools participating in the production have agreed to host the trees. One native Alder tree was planted at the Lyric Theatre grounds to replace a mature tree lost in storms last year.

Rebecca Dalzell, Communications Manager at Phoenix Energy, stated that the company plants 8,000 native trees yearly via the partnership and has nearly reached 40,000 trees total after 30 years of gas distribution in Northern Ireland. She invited local charities, schools and community groups in the company's licensed area to request trees for green spaces.

Erin Hoey, Head of Creative Learning at the Lyric Theatre, said the initiative involves planting more than 75 native trees in primary schools and one at the theatre. Groups interested in trees can visit phoenixenergyni.com and search for 'growing green'.