Given the nature of our business, we are intrinsically linked to the environment and the eco-systems in which we operate. We support biodiversity at our sites and in our communities.
Protect and restore nature and biodiversity on and around our sites and in our communities
Depending on the size and the location of our sites, the scope for biodiversity projects varies and we regularly engage with Environmental Scientists and Specialists in Ecology to assess the potential for further improvements. We have installed beehives, planted trees and permitted areas to go wild to help sustain pollinators, and manage water ways close to our sites. In 2022, we engaged a consultant ecologist to assess the potential for advancing our biodiversity strategy, including proposing new Biodiversity Actions Plans for our sites, with initiatives to be adopted from 2023.
On a national and global scale, biodiversity is monitored with indicator species receiving more attention. Protecting these species can indirectly protect many other species that share the same habitats. The Hen Harrier is a rare bird of prey in Ireland, largely due to the loss of 300,000 hectares of peatland habitat, to planting of non-native monoculture coniferous forests, on which the Hen Harrier depends. The Hen Harrier Project (HHP) was launched in 2017 to support farmers in enhancing the value of the ecosystem services of their land. The Project does this by rewarding farmers for the quality of the habitats they have on their farm, while co-investing to improve and manage these habitats, thereby increasing farmers’ capacity to improve their land’s habitat value.
We support initiatives such as Tidy Towns Ireland and Keep Britain Tidy, which are key partners in local community projects, improving landscapes and biodiversity and reducing the incidence of litter. Some highlights from 2022 include:
Hanging Baskets in Ballyhaunis
Our 14 volunteers, along with Ballyhaunis Tidy Towns volunteers, filled and planted 100 hanging baskets around the town in just two hours. These baskets attract bees and other pollinators while adding a touch of colour to the town. We also helped to fund a glasshouse and bug hotel for Gorthaganny National School, giving students the opportunity to learn about biodiversity.
Wildflowers in Waterford
We supported Mooncoin Tidy Towns in implementing three projects.
Nine containers were planted with pollinator friendly plants and shrubs, which was warmly welcomed by the Green Schools Committee and pupils of the local National School, Schoil Mhuire, and completed their Biodiversity Green Flag. A new wildflower area was prepared on waste ground the centre of the village and a litter collection and clean up took place in the main village and adjoining roads.
Together for Kilkenny
In Ireland we support Kilkenny County Council’s 3-year initiative “Let’s Team Up to Clean Up, Together for Kilkenny” which is bringing community groups, schools, residents’ associations, business groups and sporting organisations together to collect litter in their local areas on an annual community environmental action day. The initiative will provide communities an opportunity to complete an environmental action for the benefit of their local area. The first event took place in Kilkenny City on the 9th of October 2022, the second event, will be held in February 2023, coinciding with Ireland’s newest Public Holiday, St Brigid’s Day and will be open to communities from all over the county.
Highland Beach Clean Up
In Scotland we joined the Three Towns Clean Up Crew in Saltcoats to clean up the Ardrossan south beach, and 14 volunteers removed 10 bags of litter. We sponsored and took part in the event and will continue to help the Clean Up Crew. This litter pick was part of an ongoing series across Ardrossan and Saltcoats shoreline is part of the MyBeachYourBeach campaign organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful.
Llanybydder Village Clean Up
In Wales a team from our Llanybydder site are regularly seen out and about litter picking on route to the village. Six volunteers collected and removed 8 bags of litter, and will continue to give their time to help keep the community tidy moving forward.