An aerial photograph taken on June 23, 2010, showcases Knepp Castle in West Sussex, United Kingdom, a historic estate that has been home to the Burrell family for over 200 years. The castle, a Gothic mansion designed by John Nash in 1812, is nestled within a 3500-acre estate located 6 miles south of Horsham.
When it comes to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities, topics like biodiversity and rewilding often struggle to receive the attention they deserve, often being relegated to the 'nice to have' list. However, a recent study conducted by global sustainable development consultancy Arup and nature recovery experts Nattergal Ltd sheds light on the significant carbon sequestration potential of nature restoration projects.
The study focused on the rewilding efforts at the Knepp estate in West Sussex, England, which has been at the forefront of successful rewilding initiatives for the past two decades. Emphasizing the use of natural processes to regenerate degraded ecosystems, the estate's rewilding work has yielded promising results.
The findings of the report suggest that rewilding activities, particularly the restoration of scrub and grassland, can sequester and store substantial amounts of atmospheric CO2 over their initial 20 years, with a significant portion of carbon sequestration occurring below ground in the soil. The study indicates that carbon sequestration rates in rewilding projects rival those of deciduous woodland planting over the first two decades, as per the woodland carbon code.
The project initiator at Nattergal highlighted that while the primary focus of the Knepp rewilding project is biodiversity restoration, the additional benefit of carbon sequestration has been a valuable outcome. Traditionally, carbon models have predominantly focused on trees and woodlands, overlooking the carbon sequestration potential of scrub, grassland, and smaller trees that offer significant biodiversity value.
The report suggests that the study's findings could encourage investors and private sector entities to support a broader range and scale of habitat restoration projects. By promoting diverse nature restoration initiatives, the voluntary carbon market, especially in Britain, could witness expansion.
Experts in the field emphasize that a healthy ecosystem plays a crucial role in climate mitigation and carbon sequestration. The shift towards valuing biodiversity-led projects underscores the interconnectedness of nature conservation and climate action.
As awareness grows regarding the importance of biodiversity conservation, businesses are urged to recognize the essential ecosystem services provided by nature, such as pollination, clean water, climate regulation, and food production. Embracing biodiversity protection is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic move to ensure business resilience in the face of evolving regulatory landscapes.
