Supporting nature connection, local food growing and clean energy

5th Apr 2023

Last May we shared how we are focussing our efforts on supporting clean energy and nature, in addition to what we do via our core services and business practice. Nearly a year on we feel that these issues are just as important as ever, if not more. So here's an update on how we are expanding on what we already do and the causes and organisations we are backing.

Nature holds the answers

It is now commonly understood that access to green spaces positively affects our wellbeing. Better still, real connection, such as conservation activities and growing food and flowers in harmony with nature brings a whole new level of understanding about the natural world and our place in it.

Keep nature healthy = keep ourselves healthy.

I (Vic) am a keen nature lover. I garden at home and I spend time walking with our dog in various natural environments. Additionally, over the past few years I have been involved in local urban community gardens and gardening. I know how fortunate I am and I know all too well that there are many people who do not have this kind of access to nature. On top of this, nature is being threatened by harmful legislation, corporates prioritising profit over the planet and the continuation of destructive developments like HS2.

What we can do

There are individuals and organisations everywhere who are experts in nature conservation and organic food growing, particularly the unsung heroes in inner-city community gardens. Here you will find a wealth of knowledge and experience that anyone can tap into for free, not to mention a fierce passion for the environment and a deep care for people and their access to healthy food and time outdoors. On a wider scale there are regional and national charities working hard to shine a light on eco injustices and tackling them head on. These are the people we look to for guidance on how best to support.

So below, is an outline of where we are focussing our support this year and will review again next year to see what is effective, how we can best help and more we can do in our capacity as a small business.

In nature conservation and access to green spaces:

• Support the work of The Wildlife Trusts. Here in the UK the Wildlife Trusts really are one of nature's biggest champions, working hard to defend nature. As a member of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust I support them personally but also as a business we will continue to highlight their work, join their campaigns and ask those in power to listen to their expertise when making decisions that affect nature and wildlife.
• Continue to follow and raise awareness of the Nature for Everyone campaign . Access to green spaces in the UK is not equal. That means that opportunities for improved wellbeing and understanding of nature is not equal either. This campaign is working to change that inequality.
• Promote our clients who work hard to support and educate about wildlife and the rights of nature. Take a look at the brilliant Foxglove Covert Nature Reserve, Wildlife Garden Project, Conservation Through Public Health, Wild Intrigue, Green and Blue, Somerset Ornithological Society, Thinking Outside and of course Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.
• Support nature in our own green space at home, providing diverse habitats and food for a variety of species, garden organically, make our own compost and certainly don't use compost containing peat.

Local food growing

The food system is quite broken. Out of season fruit and veg are flown thousands of miles to be packaged and then to a supermarket shelf. Soils are massively depleted, harmful chemicals are sprayed on crops and bees are farmed at industrial levels to pollinate fruit grown in unnatural environments. At a time when people are going hungry, there needs to be more accessible, affordable food that isn't just healthier for the people but for the planet too.

• We support campaigns and fundraising activities for community gardens, affordable allotments and localised food growing. Equally, we support campaigns against corporations who aim to monopolise and control food sources as well as those who pollute the air, earth and waters through harmful farming practices.
• Provide voluntary website services to Growing Forward, a project in Nottingham that supports people to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through gardening activities and time spent in nature. I (Vic) am also a member of the board of directors for this Community Interest Company.
• Continue to promote our clients who provide green spaces for people to grow local food and interact with nature. Check out Green Squirrel, Elmbridge Community Eco Hub, Growing Forward and Greens Windmill
• We grow food at home in our small garden, even if sometimes this is simply herbs and salad leaves. The quote "Growing a garden is a beautiful, radical act" is so very true and framed on my office wall.

Clean energy, here in the UK and overseas

Current renewable energy solutions may not be perfect but we believe we should continue to support it's growth.

• We spread the word about the issues of renewable energy here in the UK and the the work of the people at the front line of them. Possible are a great organisation working hard to influence legislation and gather public support, especially to remove blocks on onshore wind farms.
• We continue to learn about community energy schemes and opportunities here in the UK. Big energy companies are making huge profits when many households are truly struggling financially to pay their steeply rising energy bills. This isn't working for the people. There has to be a better way. Power for People and this article by Ethical Consumer are great places to find out more.
• Through monthly donations from our Green Hosting sales, we continue to support Renewable World. We have written an updated article on why we support this charity which tackles poverty and the climate crisis via renewable energy projects in some of the hardest to reach and lowest income communities in the world.

Sustainable Development Goal 15

Through the activies listed above, we are working towards Sustainable Development Goal 15 'Life on Land'. See our Impact page for details about the sustainable development goals we focus on.