Springfields, UK – June 30, 2026 – Westinghouse’s Springfields nuclear fuel manufacturing facility in Salwick, Lancashire, has commemorated its eight-decade milestone as the world’s oldest continuous nuclear fuel manufacturing facility by planting 80 trees in its local community.
As part of its year-long 80th anniversary celebrations, employees from the Springfields site came together to plant 80 trees across Newton and Clifton. The initiative reflects Springfields’ long-standing commitment to the environment, community relationships and investing in the future of the local area since 1946.
The tree planting took place throughout the Spring season, with volunteers from across the site alongside parish council representatives. The trees, donated by the Woodland Trust, included a mix of different types and were planted to create lasting green spaces for residents to enjoy across Clifton and Newton Villages in Lancashire.
The final tree – a larger oak tree - was planted by Craig Boothby, Managing Director at Springfields Fuels Limited. Oak is not only a symbol for strength and resilience, it is also the traditional symbol for 80-year anniversaries.
Craig Boothby, Managing Director of the Westinghouse Springfields site, said: “Reaching 80 years is a significant milestone for not only Springfields, but for the UK nuclear fuel manufacture. We wanted to mark it in a way that reflects who we are today. 80 years is traditionally symbolised by the oak tree, so we thought planting 80 trees within our local community was a fitting lasting symbol of our commitment, not just to our site and nuclear power, but to the people and places that have supported us for eight decades.”
Bev Duckworth, Chair at Newton with Clifton Parish Council, said: “On behalf of the Parish Council, I would like to congratulate Springfields on reaching their impressive eight-decade milestone of safe and secure nuclear fuel manufacturing, powering our nation and keeping the lights on. Additionally, we are grateful to Springfields for the addition of 80 trees to our local community spaces, for residents to enjoy.”
As the world’s oldest continuously operating nuclear fuel manufacturing facility, Springfields continues to play a vital role in the UK’s clean energy future, all while remaining firmly rooted in the Lancashire community it has supported for 80 years.
