FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
BNG UNITS
While the initial launch and cash injection was provided by the Evergreen Fund, to continue the project and to fund high-level rewilding, Biodiversity Net Gain Units is an important income stream.
Initial habitat baseline enables accurate and legal measurement and reporting on the improvements made and are in line with DEFRA Metrics. As a circular economy, the greater the funding and income streams, the more rewilding work can be completed. So far, the site, which lies within Braintree District Council LPA and South Suffolk and North Essex Clayland NCA, is generating 307 units through species-rich grassland (134), mixed scrub (120), lakes/ponds (8), traditional orchards (4), woodland enhancement (41), and hedgerow planting (10).
LOOKING BEYOND NATURE – WORKPLACE WELLBEING AND THE COMMUNITY
With one of the initial aims to “Act as an educational facility, allowing clients and partners to join planting and BNG-focused activities and learn from our in-house experts,” Ground Control has integrated learning experiences to Wildfell.
With a new barn able to host meetings and strategy days, clients can combine first-hand BNG experiences with policy creation and leave Wildfell with tangible actions.
In partnership with Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Ground Control is supporting a citizen scientist programme, inviting residents and colleagues to take part in regular pollinator surveys and assess the health of bumbles on site and the potential to attract more.
The site has also seen companies, internal departments and clients participating in volunteering planting days, with employees recognising the impact of fresh air, and companies able to share their CSR actions.
New permissive footpaths will unlock previously ‘out of bounds’ areas of the Wildfell estate to walkers, while the woodlands will be opened to forest schools and community groups, with the creation of new links into existing Public Rights of Way.
Working with residents of Weathersfield village and community groups, Ground Control has co-designed a new Community Orchard, with a range of approximately 500 fruit and nut trees proposed. A species-rich grassland will be planted to act as a buffer to new woodland for neighbouring residents.
CONCLUSION
Built on a strong environmental foundation for nature, that can be tracked through DEFRA metrics, the Wildfell Centre for Environmental Recovery is an example of how businesses can restore land for nature. As a centre the impact of the changes will not only be seen throughout 50 years of land management and beyond, but can also inspire other sites by its studies.
While setting up a tangible income stream through BNG Units, Ground Control continues to make positive changes for nature in a way that is environmentally and financially responsible, which makes Wildfell a sustainable part of their business.
Since beginning rewilding in 2021, the project has shown that environmental restoration can be a viable business, and as a result, Ground Control opened the Devana Centre for Environmental Recovery in 2023. This second site is already on the government Biodiversity Gain Sites register and a catalyst for more centres.
