Biodiversity
Biodiversity
Having different types of ecosystems in Scotland is crucial for preserving biodiversity and supporting various plant and animal species. The diversity of ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, heathlands, and coastal areas, enhances ecosystem resilience and provides valuable ecological services like carbon sequestration, water purification, and flood regulation.
Moreover, promoting biodiversity in farming areas can support pollinators, beneficial insects, and other wildlife, creating a healthier and more harmonious environment for both humans and the surrounding ecosystem.
Carbon sinks play a critical role in mitigating climate change and maintaining the planet's ecological balance. These natural or human-made reservoirs, such as forests, wetlands, and oceans, absorb and store large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By capturing excess CO2, carbon sinks help regulate the Earth's climate, preventing the rapid accumulation of greenhouse gases and their detrimental effects on global temperatures. Protecting and expanding carbon sinks is vital for combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring a sustainable future for all living beings on our planet.
We are currently planting Aspen trees over an 11 acre area, with plans to plant additional species in the near future. The new woodland will act as both a permanent habitat and food source to the local wildlife and a carbon sink.
We will also be planting a 1,200ft edible hedgerow that will act as a boundary between our charitable activities, and the 6 acres of land we have set aside for rewilding. As well as providing a new food source for the wildlife we draw back to the area.
In the 20th century, Scotland lost around half of its hedgerows. These original field boundaries provide a vital habitat and refuge for a wealth of farmland wildlife, including up to 80% of our woodland birds, 50% of our mammals and 30% of our butterflies.
Once our new woodland has become established, we will begin planting native woodland flowers between the trees.
Not only are they pretty, wildflower meadows provide pollinators with food through out the year. On a single day in summer, one acre of wildflower meadow can contain 3 million flowers, producing 1 kg of nectar sugar. That’s enough to support nearly 96,000 honey bees per day!
We will set aside almost 4 acres for wetland creation. By digging ponds and connecting them with ditches we can create a flourishing ecosystem and provide essential habitats for endangered birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and moths.
We will create wind-breaks with the soil from the new ponds, and plant wetland friendly flora to provide food for insects and pollinators.
After digging ponds, planting trees, hedgerows, and flowers, we will install numerous shelters for birds, bats, insects, bees, and hedgehogs. Additionally, we plan to set up feeding stations during colder months and immediately after hibernation, ensuring optimal conditions for wildlife to flourish. By providing these new homes and food sources, we aim to actively foster a welcoming habitat, minimizing the adverse effects caused by the deforestation of woodlands in the neighboring fields.