Net Zero Week: Connecting People With Nature

My dad became a volunteer for the local mountain rescue team, my mum a scout leader, so it’s fair to say we spent the majority of our spare time outside in nature, soaking up the Scottish fresh air in stunningly beautiful and calming surroundings.

I spent the next 16 years wandering the lowlands and highlands watching a variety of birds like my favourite the Osprey, listening to deer rutting and to the hiss-like alarm call of the female black grouse and always observing an abundance of insects and plants.  I felt then and now a huge sense of gratitude for those natural surroundings, even if those feelings did pause slightly during my terrible teenage rebellious years. From that first moment even at such a young age, I got it. I felt an immense connection with nature and on reflection my teenage years would have been a lot more painful without those regular Sunday mountain hikes that my parents forced me to go on.  If you were to ask me what my one purpose in life is, it would be to share with others the benefits of having regular access to the natural world.

Being close to nature is integral to improving our own mental health and feelings of wellbeing and this vital relationship is given its own section within the Government’s 25 year plan to improve the environment.  The plan highlights that a healthy environment underpins our nation’s wellbeing and prosperity. Regular access to nature can reduce stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression. It can help boost immune systems, encourage physical activity and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as asthma. It can combat loneliness and bind communities together.

As I approach my 50^th year, despite its many advantages, I am so saddened to know that our beautiful environment has deteriorated, it has been mainly on my watch. Since the 1970’s the abundance of all wildlife has fallen dramatically across the UK and across the board substantial losses continue.

However, I am so hopeful that together we can reverse these worrying declines and I feel very privileged to work for Stonewater who have an ambition to be part of the solution. Through our very own Environmental Strategy created by a team of experienced and passionate business partners along with the development of Biodiversity and Water Strategies, I believe we are going to make a difference that will benefit our environment and our customers for many years to come.

Net Zero Week which is being held from the 1^st to 7^th July 2023 aims to provide national awareness of the challenges we face. In order to reach the UK net zero target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 100% from 1990 levels by 2050, the protection and enhancement of habitats across the UK is vital.

Stonewater as a developer and land manager, will play a vital part in the future to protect our landscape. Changes in UK legislation will give us huge opportunities to enhance our environment including the launch of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in November this year. This is a mandatory requirement for all of our new developments to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand.  We are currently working on the implementation of a number of exciting projects, working in collaboration with others to understand our full potential. The creation of a Forest Garden in Swindon is well under way and we look forward to sharing future successes with you all. These projects maximise our potential to combat climate change, whilst providing benefits for people and nature.

If you can, I would like to encourage you during the remainder of this year’s Net Zero Week to go outside, to go for a walk or just simply find a quiet space in your local park or garden.  Take a moment to stop and listen to the sounds of nature surrounding you. It is truly beautiful and awe inspiring.

If you would like to understand more about the importance of Net Zero Week, please click here to visit the Net Zero Week website.