National Grid Electricity Distribution Partners with Heart of England Forest
National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) and the Heart of England Forest are working together on a long-term partnership to go beyond tree planting and demonstrate a proactive commitment to conservation and habitat restoration.
The six-year formal collaboration agreement between the two parties aims to bring about significant improvements to local natural habitats and biodiversity while giving NGED employees the opportunity to volunteer with Heart of England Forest.
Heart of England Forest works to reverse centuries of woodland decline by creating and conserving broadleaf forest for the benefit of the environment, wildlife and people. Their forest has a significant positive environmental impact, creating a large carbon sink and helping to mitigate climate change, in addition to supporting biodiverse habitat.
Through this partnership, NGED is able to make a significant impact on the work of Heart of England Forest, creating real and lasting benefits for biodiversity. The partnership benefits the Heart of England Forest by giving them the flexibility to propose projects that reflect their needs and that support large scale skill sharing and volunteering.
This year, through our partnership NGED supported:
- Woodland management on 700 acres of growing habitat rich with interesting and diverse species
- Vegetation management to increase sunlight penetration and reduce leaf litter in ponds
- Clearing of dense bramble to create open spaces crucial for supporting diverse insect populations
- Brown hairstreak butterfly egg surveys and vegetation surveys
- Installation of new stock fencing and gates to support conservation grazing
- Organisation and coordination of 4 months of volunteer resources
As a part of their RIIO- ED2 business plan, NGED made a commitment to improve biodiversity and engage with local communities. The collaboration with Heart of England Forest is the first partnership that NGED has been involved with under this commitment. NGED hopes to develop agreements with other conservation partners in all four of their license areas over the coming years.
