After launching our successful partnership with Small Woods Association, we're expanding our “Achieving more for nature’s recovery” initiative with a new project in Yorkshire.
Make It Wild looks after 11 nature reserves throughout North Yorkshire, and six other reserves across the UK. They’ve undertaken extensive conservation efforts such as planting over 100,000 trees, creating ponds, restoring wildflower meadows and protecting ancient woodland. We'll contribute to these efforts by funding targeted projects that support habitat restoration and development.
Initially, we're funding an invertebrate survey at the Low Woods site in Smelthouses, Harrogate. Once collected, the samples will be compared against a database of 13,000 records and analysed to produce a comprehensive standalone report. The study will investigate the variety of species present such as beetles, flies, bugs, spiders and other insects.
We have additionally sponsored a beehive at Windmill Hill, a meadow which has an abundance of wildflowers, farmland and a small orchard, providing the perfect home for bees.
Helen Neave, co-founder and director of Make It Wild, emphasised the urgency of their mission: “Nearly three quarters of all wildlife has been lost since 1970, so we feel a deep responsibility to take action. Together we can help the planet, through a greater knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the natural world.
“The survey will provide us with a valuable starting point for understanding the invertebrate species present on our land. These creatures play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by supporting pollination, decomposing organic matter (which enhances soil fertility), and serving as a food source for larger animals like mammals, amphibians and birds. Without Mills & Reeve’s support, we wouldn’t have been able to conduct a comprehensive survey. And this is just the beginning.”
Jessica Wilkes-Ball, head of sustainability and net zero at Mills & Reeve, commented: “We’re committed to being net zero and as part of that we want to invest in nature’s recovery. It resonated with us as a firm to have a project in Yorkshire where our Leeds office can adopt it as their own.
“We understand that talking about nature is one thing but being able to see and experience is completely another thing. Visiting these sites and meeting the people involved adds to the value of what it is we're trying to achieve, to bring nature to everybody and making it accessible.”
Visit Mills & Reeve partners with Make It Wild for more information.
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