Gin distillery digs deep for Yorkshire Dales charity

A Yorkshire gin and whisky distillery has made its first donation through its partnership with a local environmental charity.

After pledging to donate 2.5% of its annual gin sales to an environmental non-profit organisation, Cooper King Distillery has made its first quarterly contribution to Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT).

As a member of international environmental initiative 1% for the Planet, Cooper King Distillery is commited to supporting approved environmental non-profit partners by donating at least 1% of gin sales to a chosen project.

The distillery has opted to far exceed this, donating 2.5% of gin sales instead.

Through the partnership every bottle of gin sold will support the planting of native broadleaf woodlands across the Yorkshire Dales, helping to create vibrant wildlife habitats, reduce flooding and creating beautiful places that promote health and wellbeing.

Abbie Neilson, co-founder of Cooper King Distillery said: “As a family run distillery that truly champions all things Yorkshire, we are delighted to work with a charity so dedicated to preserving our beautiful natural landscapes and at the same time reduce our carbon footprint.

“The first three months of sales show that we are on track to achieve our target of planting approximately 400 trees this year.”

Established in 2016 by co-founders Chris Jaume, a chartered architect and Dr Abbie Neilson, a former scientist, Cooper King Distillery is located in Sutton-on-the-Forest, North Yorkshire.

Since launching its inaugural gin in May, Cooper King Distillery has sold 1239 bottles, which equates to a donation of £1,239 to the charity.
The donation will see 120 trees planted, with further contributions to be donated every quarter.

Michael Delvin, development manager at YDMT, said: “In the face of climate change and destruction of natural habitats, it is essential that we have environmentally conscious businesses like Cooper King Distillery in the world, whose donations will not only contribute to the planet’s future but also help improve the overall landscape in the Dales.

“This support will play an important part in our Together for Trees appeal through which we aim to plant 100,000 trees over the next two years, creating beautiful woodlands that everyone can enjoy.”