Did you know that UK ranks in the bottom 10% in the world when it comes to healthy and intact biodiversity concerning wildflowers, wetland, and wildlife (this is caused by intensive agriculture, urbanisation, invasive non-native species, pollution, and woodland management)

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It is estimated that 50% of the UKs biodiversity has been lost along with 97% of wildflower meadows since 1930 (read more here).

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This habitat restoration project (that has been funded by Unite in Aviva) is aiming to restore 4 types of habitats (wildflower meadows, wetlands, heathlands, and woodland) to support and restore high level of biodiversity in these areas.

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Wildflower meadows will be established on grassland that was previously grazed by animals, where currently fewer than five plant species per square meter exist (compared to healthy habitats that typically support 15 to 30 species).

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The project will also address the removal of invasive species and the uncontrolled spread of broom, bracken, and bramble across all sites, which have hindered the growth of native and more delicate wildflower species.

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The aim is to boost UK biodiversity and improve long-term carbon capture and storage through healthier soils, plants, and trees. 335 – 466 million hectares of healthy forest could help avoid between 5-9 gigatons of Co2 emissions by 2050.

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Restoring previously destroyed/depleted peatland also has the potential to store anywhere between 25 - 40 gigatons of CO2 emissions (based on 300-491 million hectares of healthy peatland).

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The project is designed to restore biodiversity and support the threatened native species of wildlife / plants and animals in the UK (such as red squirrel, snipe, sticky catchfly, and great crested newt).

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Please check for more info within the link above as to how the project is progressing and if you are interested to learn about the other amazing projects Unite in Aviva has sponsored over the years.