Octavius is funding an ambitious programme of tree planting aligned to the England Trees Action Plan. The initiative forms part of our carbon neutral NOW, net zero by 2030 approach.
We’re aware that carbon offsetting isn’t the whole answer. Our view of this is that it largely depends on what else you’re doing to actively reduce carbon emissions.
Alongside the tree planting scheme we have a systematic strategy to reduce scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions. We’re taking serious strides to achieving net zero across our operations as a business.
It’s also worth focusing on the benefits of tree planting schemes beyond the crucial absorption of atmospheric CO2. And it’s surely better that any organisation is doing it rather than not doing it.
More Trees, More Wildlife
The England Trees Action Plan highlights rewilding and nature recovery as a key benefit of more tree planting. Increasing the number of indigenous tree species helps to create habitats that support the reintroduction of fauna such as beavers, pine martens and white tailed eagles.
Climatologists predict that we will experience more extreme weather events, with prolonged periods of hot, dry weather and more intense storms. Trees help to reduce the impact. In urban areas they provide natural shade and cooling. In all areas they help intense rainfall penetrate the soil by following the root structure to prevent flooding and storm drain overflows.
Tree planting and woodland management helps to make many rural communities more sustainable, with further jobs to be created in producing wood and timber products as woodlands mature.
Many people assume that deforestation in England is a modern phenomenon. In fact, it’s been going on since the early Neolithic times. The percentage of land in England covered by trees is now similar to 1000 years ago.
What has improved greatly since the middle of the 20th century is the quality of woodland and the percentage of natural broadleaf trees that have the most value to our indigenous wildlife. Octavius is proud to be supporting this drive.
If you’d like to know more about Octavius Infrastructure’s commitment to sustainability and net zero goals, contact Mike Todd (mike.todd@octaviusinfrastructure.co.uk) or access our resource centre.
