Protect Earth is a UK-based environmental charity focused on increasing biodiversity in the British Isles. And doing it the right way.
Thankfully, there is a blueprint for restoring biodiversity that we and everyone can follow. The UK was covered (head to toe) for thousands of years with woodlands and other natural habitats. Roughly speaking, there are woodlands, there are lowland and highland grasslands, there are riparian lands (riparian meaning along lakes, rivers, and other very wet places), there are meadows, and there are peat marshes. Over many thousands of years, the plants and animals that call these diverse habitats home have evolved to live better in these environments. Together, the environment provides them with what’s needed to survive, and similarly, their presence (kept in balance - this is key) benefits the environment.
Using this knowledge of what’s best suited for which environment, when we plant projects we look at the specific environment we’ll be restoring nature and plan accordingly. Of all the landscapes mentioned, Protect Earth has worked in woodlands, grasslands, and riparian zones, so we’ll share the range of species we plant in these habitats. Also, biodiversity is developed by plants, animals, and insects. We’ll stick with trees and hedges as that’s our speciality area. Also, you don’t want to read a 50-page article covering all the UK’s plants, animals, and insects that contribute to biodiversity!
What is biodiversity?
To quickly recap, biodiversity is many species (plants, animals, and insects) and many of those species (into the millions and higher) living together in balance.
Why is biodiversity important?
Biodiversity enrichs. Because of all these plants, animals, and insects living their lives together, areas develop vibrancy which comes with a multitude of benefits.
We benefit from biodiversity because of the stimulus it encourages and because of what biodiversity helps prevent.
Examples of biodiversity stimulating a habitat
Pollinators like bees are a cornerstone of biodiversity and play a vital role in sustaining ecosystems and agriculture. In the UK, their work is valued at around £691 million annually in the crops they help produce. If pollinators disappeared, replacing their efforts with human labour would cost an estimated £1.8 billion each year—a staggering figure highlighting just how much of a service they provide free of charge.
An example of biodiversity protecting a habitat
Trees are nature’s multitaskers, offering far more than shade and beauty. They stabilise soil, reducing erosion while improving water infiltration and aeration. Trees also enrich the soil, returning essential nutrients to the earth and creating healthier habitats for countless species.
These are just two quick examples of what the natural world can do. There are many, many more examples of nature’s wonder.
What Protect Earth Plant
Reiterating what we said earlier, one of Protect Earth’s mantras is, “right species for the right space”, meaning we’re not going to plant Douglas fir trees on any sites anywhere in the UK.
We do plant species such as:
Alder
Ash
Birch
Blackthorn
Buckthorn
Wild Cherry
Elder
Hawthorne
Holly
Hornbeam
Lime
Maple
Oak
Poplar
Rowan
Wild Service Tree
Willow
Yew
In addition to planting the right species for the project, it’s also very important to us to source those species from as close to the project site as possible. Nurseries across the UK try to maintain tight control over the seeds they collect. Like us, they want the plants they grow to come from seeds within the nurseries’ region. This close multi-generational proximity gives the saplings a better chance of survival as they will be acclimatised to the region’s unique characteristics, requiring minor adjustment.
To Sum Up
For as small an island as the UK may be, there are a number of variances that make up several beautiful landscapes. Each uniquely contributes to the UK’s biodiversity, which is crucial for life.
When Protect Earth is planning or supporting projects, it’s crucial that what is planted is respectful of the environmental conditions, giving that sapling the best chance of survival and also making the right contribution to that habitat, increasing its biodiversity.
Support Rewilding Through Our Shop
We are working with concerned citizens, community land trusts, and landowners all over the UK to create habitats that repair biodiversity. As much demand as there is, funding always remains a hurdle.
Please visit our store, where you can purchase saplings that will be planted or take a subscription, knowing every month, you are contributing to repairing the UK’s deeply damaged natural environment