Liverpool-based Hill Dickinson has become the latest law firm to go carbon neutral - and will be planting more than 1,100 trees to create a new woodland in the north of England that aims to offset its carbon emissions.



A study of the 121-partner firm's carbon footprint by environmental company co2balance showed that it created more than 1,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year; the aim of planting trees is to absorb this. Hill Dickinson follows the lead of City practice SJ Berwin, which is thought to have been the first law firm to go carbon neutral.



Tree planting to offset emissions has been criticised by some environmental campaigners, in part because it does not address the underlying issue of producing carbon dioxide. Hill Dickinson managing partner Peter Jackson said the firm took 'responsibility for the impact that we make on the environment' and explained that in addition to planting trees, the firm is planning to switch to a green energy tariff - so that the energy it uses will have been produced by alternative, renewable energy sources - once its current energy supply contract ends.



All the trees being planted are native to England. Once they have matured enough, it is intended that the area be opened up as a community woodland for the public to visit.