On 22nd May 2022, the International Day for Biological Diversity took place. Biodiversity and nature are everything we stand for here at The Future Forest Company. We create and maintain systems to protect habitats, restore ecosystems and encourage local biodiversity to flourish.
“Without biodiversity, there is no future for humanity”
-Prof David Macdonald, Oxford University
The biodiversity on our sites encompasses not just trees, but a whole host of plants, fungi, animals and microorganisms. Each decision we make in planning takes into account the wider impact on our sites’ flora and fauna. Here are some of the actions we are currently taking for biodiversity:
1. We create new woodland habitats
Creating vibrant new woodland habitats by planting a mixture of native trees. We work with NatureScot to design plans ensuring we always plant the right tree in the right place.
2. We protect ancient woodland
Protecting ancient woodland ecosystems which have taken hundreds of years to establish and are an irreplaceable habitat. Ancient woodland is a precious natural asset, important for wildlife and soils, as well as carbon capture and storage.
3. We restore wetlands
Restoring and regenerating wetlands. Wetlands naturally absorb and store vast amounts of carbon, protect us from extreme weather events and help us recover better from disasters. 40% of the world’s plants and animals depend on wetlands.
4. We repair peatland
Helping landowners conserve and repair peatlands. Peatlands are vast natural carbon stores. Degraded peatlands are currently releasing carbon back out into the atmosphere 20 times faster than it is being sequestered, therefore peatland restoration and protection is vital in our fight against climate change.
5. We restore wildflower meadows
Restoring wildflower meadows for vital pollinator insects, like bees. We have lost 97% of our wildflower meadows since the 1930s. When wildflower meadows vanish so do pollinators, as well as other insects, and animals that eat insects, such as birds, hedgehogs and bats.
6. We improve soil health
Encouraging the use of natural additions like biochar and crushed basalt to support healthy soil and store carbon rather than using artificial fertilisers or chemicals.
7. Habitats for hen harriers
Providing a safe habitat for hen harriers and short-eared owls at our Glenaros site.
8. We use local nurseries
Sourcing our tree saplings and wildflower plants from local nurseries, meaning we can be sure our trees are healthy, and responsibly grown here in the UK.
9. Encouraging our team
Encouraging employees to be aware of biodiversity loss and offering solutions to help individuals take action.
10. We help businesses to go green
Enabling companies to green their business by becoming part of the action in supporting biodiversity and habitat restoration.
11. We work to conserve rare plants
Working with local naturalists to conserve rare plants, like the sticky catchfly, at Dumyat.
12. We recruit industry experts
Employing an expert team of experienced ecologists, led by Head of Ecology Lindsay Mackinlay, to survey our land.
13. We conduct wildlife surveys
Employing a ranger on Glenaros to survey our buildings for bats.
14. We always carry out detailed biodiversity analysis
Using the latest technology to survey our land for wildlife, including the use of eDNA analysis to check for great crested newts in our ponds.
15. We work hard to conserve the species living in our peatland
Conserving species in our peatlands.
16. We grow our wildflowers in peat-free soil
Only planting wildflowers grown in peat-free soil.
17. We control non-native invasive plant species
Planning to control non-native invasive plant species on all our properties, such as the removal of rhododendrons at Glenaros and Brisbane Mains.
18. We work with local communities
Working with the local communities next to our land to conserve wildlife.
19. We carry out regular checks on our sites
Regularly checking the condition of our habitats to ensure our management is conserving and enhancing them.
20. We do conservation grazing
Valuing the importance of traditional livestock breeds and hopefully using them as part of our future conservation grazing to help restore our habitats.
21. We help to conserve red squirrels
Managing our woodland to help conserve the red squirrels at Dumyat.
22. We regenerate wetlands
Conserving our precious marshes and flushes to protect the plantlife, insects and birdlife that depend on them.
Visit our store today to see how you can contribute to conserving and restoring biodiversity on our UK sites, whilst having a positive impact on carbon sequestration and helping reverse the nature crisis, with our Biodiveristy Bundle.
