Author: Harriet Smith, Landscape Department What is Building with Nature Building with Nature (BwN) is the UK's first green infrastructure benchmark which provides a framework for the creation of high-quality places with an environmental focus. Schemes can gain BwN accreditation by demonstrating that excellent quality green infrastructure is placed at the heart of Read more »
This April, we would like to raise awareness about an emerging threat to our cherished oak trees: the Oak Processionary Moth (OPM). This species of moth, characterised by its caterpillars that nest on oak trees, poses significant risks to both the health of our trees and the well-being of humans and animals. Understanding OPM: Read more »
By Jess Bradley, Assistant Woodland Manager Recently, we hosted a tree planting event in one of the woodlands managed by Nicholsons. Dai, Jess, Tom and Kieran from the Nicholsons Forestry team hosted the two day event where 1,000 native trees were planted. The planting day was in collaboration with Arval, a car hire company Read more »
Article prepared by Rachel Crapper, Assistant Ecological Consultant Importance of ecosystem health We all benefit from a well-functioning and health ecosystem which improves water and air quality and helps limit disease and stabilize the climate. How do beavers help? Ecosystem health Beavers have an important role to play Read more »
As part of the Spring Budget 2024, the Government has announced an extension to the existing scope of Agricultural Property Relief. This will now include all environmental land management schemes, covering the Sustainable Farming Incentive, Countryside Stewardship (and other stewardship schemes) and Landscape Recovery, as well as the England Woodland Creation Offer and other Read more »
The Maasai Mara is world famous for wildlife and is a vital source of tourist income. Yet the Mara is at risk. The Mara River is affected by deforestation in its upper basin with increased run off, huge variability in flow, increased soil erosion and pollution. Surrounding landscapes are also being degraded due to Read more »
John Lockhart of Nicholsons and Kate Russell of Tellus Natural Capital Ltd explain what natural capital is and what opportunities it can offer to landowners. Why is Natural Capital Important? Despite the fact that natural capital is now common currency in the language of environmental policy and strategy, there is Read more »
On the 27th July 2023 DEFRA announced the indicative prices for statutory biodiversity credits: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/statutory-biodiversity-credit-prices#area-habitats Where biodiversity net gain credits are not able to be balanced on site, or off-set within land held by the developer, credits may be purchased from DEFRA’s “credit sales service” at a ratio of 2 credits per 1 biodiversity unit Read more »
“We are delighted to announce that John Lockhart has been granted approved assessor status for Building with Nature (BwN). Building with Nature is the UK’s first accreditation scheme that provides a robust benchmark for green infrastructure. The scheme is now becoming widely recognised and valued. It involves an independent evaluation against 12 identified standards, Read more »
Transport remains the largest emitting sector in the UK, responsible for 34% of carbon emissions in 2022 (Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, 2022). The rise in electric vehicles is a positive step towards a cleaner transport sector; Nicholsons has so far purchased 7 electric vehicles and has ambitions to expand this further. Read more »
By Harriet Smith, George Griffin & Eleanor Dring At the end of April, a group from across the Nicholsons Forestry, Soils, Landscape and Yurt teams travelled to the Maasai Mara in Kenya to learn and experience a variety of projects that Nicholsons have been involved in for many years. Herds Read more »
For the last year Nicholsons has been dedicated to achieving the prestigious Investors in People Gold Accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. We are proud to announce that our hard work has paid off, and we have been awarded the esteemed Gold Accreditation. Being a Read more »
Article prepared by Sam Hargreaves, Arboricultural Services Manager The hottest June weather on record will not have been so welcome to our teams on the tools, in particular the guys and gals suiting up in chainsaw trousers, boots and helmets to undertake the strenuous work arboriculture requires of them. But Read more »
Article prepared by: Rachel Crapper Scientific name: Meles meles The European Badger, is an unmistakable species, with a black and white striped head, white tipped ears, a stocky grey body and a short, fluffy tail. Night Walkers Badgers are nocturnal mammals, emerging from their burrows called “setts” at Read more »
Background On the back of commitments set out in their 25-year Environment Plan 'A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment' and its consultation on net gain, the government is now taking forward a legal framework for the delivery of mandatory biodiversity net gain through the Environment Act 2021. It Read more »
On Friday 21st April Nicholsons were excited to attend the 2023 Pro Landscaper Business Awards where we had been shortlisted for 3 awards. We are proud to announce that not only did we win 'Landscape Company Over £5m Turnover' but we were unveiled as the 'Supreme Winner'. Judges said "Nicholsons had a clear vision and Read more »
By Rachel Crapper, Ecological Consultant If you listen to old myths, bats have been portrayed as nightmarish figures that may get tangled in your hair or be a sign of a bad omen! However, this lovely (and extremely interesting) group of species are actually harmless. There are 18 species of Read more »
Following the launch of the DEFRA Prospectus in early February, Justin Mumford, Director of Consultancy, has prepared a short briefing note outlining a comprehensive list of land management options available through ELMs in 2023 and beyond, including details on the plans for the evolution of Countryside Stewardship and the Landscape Recovery Scheme. The Read more »
