17 May Upcoming Retirement Community, Burnham Waters, Launches Impactful Tree and Hedgerow Planting Initiative
Burnham Waters, an ecology-focused retirement community currently in development in Burnham-On-Crouch, are proud to launch their tree and hedgerow planting initiative. This will introduce numerous benefits to the surrounding environment and promote ecological improvements, known as biodiversity net gain. By actively planting trees and creating hedgerows, Burnham Waters are taking steps to restore and enhance the natural world in this area.
Trees play a crucial role in mitigating climate change; they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Through Burnham Waters’ tree planting efforts, they are contributing to this process, helping to combat global warming and its adverse effects on our planet. The benefits of tree planting don’t stop there, however. Trees provide habitat for a wide variety of species, promoting biodiversity preservation and enhancement. By planting more trees, Burnham Waters are creating new homes and safe havens for animals, insects, and birds, ensuring that local ecosystems remain healthy and diverse.
In addition to trees, Burnham Waters’ focus on hedgerows establishes further advantages. Hedgerows serve as natural barriers and windbreaks, protecting landscapes from erosion and reducing wind damage. They also offer vital shelter and food sources for wildlife, and form ‘transport corridors’, linking different habitats and enabling movement between them. This helps a wide variety of species to thrive within the development.
Furthermore, the environmental impact of Burnham Waters’ tree and hedgerow planting initiative extends to improving soil and water quality. Trees and hedges help to prevent soil erosion, preserve valuable topsoil, and maintain the fertility of land. By capturing pollutants and reducing runoff, they contribute to improved water quality, whilst benefiting local ecosystems and the broader environment.
Discussing their tree and hedgerow planting initiative, Burnham Waters’ Project Director, Ian Holloway, says:
“We are excited to share that our tree planting activities for ‘Phase 1A’ are currently underway. Phase 1A focuses on the community zones B, C, and D, encompassing plots 11-44, including the entrance to our development.
“For this phase, we have carefully chosen a diverse range of trees to be planted, including Silver Birch, Ornamental Pear, Common Hornbeam, English Oak, Wild Cherry, and Himalayan Birch. These trees, which have all been agreed as part of the town planning process, vary in height – from 1.25 meters to 3.5 meters – and will not only enhance the visual appeal of the area, but also contribute to its environmental sustainability.
“In total, we will be planting 163 trees as part of this phase alone. Additionally, we are incorporating 200 meters of instant native hedge, standing at an impressive height of 1.8 meters. It is important to note that these plantings represent just a fraction of the trees planned for the entire first phase of our development. By planting these trees and hedges, we are taking a significant step towards creating a greener and more sustainable community. The presence of these trees will not only provide aesthetic beauty but also result in a biodiversity net gain, by contributing to the well-being of the ecosystem, supporting wildlife, and improving the overall quality of the area.”
A biodiversity net gain net gain refers to a situation in which more good is done for the environment than harm. In this case, it means that when Burnham Waters makes changes to the natural world, they actively ensure that their overall impact is beneficial to the environment.
Instead of simply clearing the land and building homes, Burnham Waters ensures that the environment benefits from their actions. This includes planting several hundred net new trees, creating habitats for animals, and implementing eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy sources and minimising waste. In the end, the overall result is that the environment is better off than it was before the development took place.
Discussing the importance of adopting this approach, Ian Holloway goes on to say:
“Through our dedicated efforts, we are making a positive impact on the environment, ensuring that our actions contribute to the overall well-being and sustainability of our surroundings. By striving for biodiversity net gain, we prioritise the long-term health of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the planet as a whole.
“Together, we are making a positive impact and fostering a healthier, more vibrant future for all. At Burnham Waters, we believe that new housing developments can coexist with and benefit the environment. By embracing biodiversity net gain through a landscape led development, we are committed to building a brighter, greener future for our residents and the wider community.”
To find out more about Burnham Waters’ development and their extensive efforts to enhance the local environment, visit www.burnhamwaters.co.uk.
