Going the Extra Mile for Residents

From Stump to Sculpture.

Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference.

Our teams carry out thousands of tree works every year, and most jobs are relatively straightforward – arrive on site, complete the works safely and professionally, clear up and move on to the next one.

But every now and again, a job turns into something a little different.

Recently, Beechwood was carrying out tree removal works at Monument Way in Cornwall on behalf of The Guinness Partnership.

During the works, a resident asked whether something could be done with the remaining tree stump rather than simply leaving a plain cut surface.

It was a simple suggestion, but one worth listening to.

Instead of leaving the stump as it was, the opportunity was taken to turn it into something for the residents – a carved wooden owl.

This simple but meaningful interaction highlights the positive outcomes that can be achieved when

residents and contractors work together. By listening, engaging and responding to feedback,

Beechwood helped transform a general task into something that brought additional value to the

scheme.

What would normally have been the end of a tree removal became a permanent feature for the community to enjoy.

More than completing the job

For us, the important part of this story isn't really the owl.

It's about listening.

When you're working in people's neighbourhoods and around their homes, you're not just working on trees. You're working in places where people live, walk their dogs, bring up their families and spend their time.

Taking a few minutes to listen to a resident's idea created an opportunity to leave something positive behind.

The Guinness Partnership subsequently featured the story internally and highlighted the work as an example of listening to residents, going the extra mile, taking pride in the job and delivering great service.

Their feedback described how the interaction helped the resident feel “heard, respected and important” and recognised the additional value created for the wider scheme.

Added value doesn't always have a price tag

We talk a lot in our industry about added value and social value.

Sometimes that means apprenticeships, employment opportunities, community projects or environmental improvements.

But it can also be something as simple as this.

Spotting an opportunity. Listening to someone. Taking a little more pride in the outcome and leaving somewhere better than you found it.

The Guinness Partnership also shared the story through its social media channels, celebrating how working together and listening to residents can make a difference within communities.

The Beechwood way

At Beechwood, delivering a contract isn't simply about completing a specification.

We want our teams and supply-chain partners to take ownership of what they're doing, communicate with the people around them and look for opportunities to deliver a better outcome.

Sometimes that might mean identifying another tree that needs attention. Sometimes it's helping a resident understand why certain work is necessary.

And occasionally, it means turning a tree stump into an owl.

We're proud to work in partnership with The Guinness Partnership and particularly pleased to see a relatively small gesture recognised as an example of good resident engagement.

Because ultimately, good service isn't always about doing something big.

It's about caring enough to do the little things well.