Carbon & biodiversity levy funds planting of 375 trees
In December, an extension to Conduit Wood on Hatfield Park saw a total of 375 trees being planted, comprising a mix of hornbeam, English oak, field maple, sweet chestnut, small-leaved lime, wild cherry, walnut and rowan.
The trees were established using biodegradable tree guards and natural chestnut stakes. By using several more mature specimen trees alongside whips, the woodland will feel established more quickly and will complement the mature woods behind.
The planting will absorb over 300 tonnes of carbon over the next forty years, as well as providing benefits for nature. The red berries of the rowan tree and the fruits of the wild cherry provide food for song birds, whilst the pollen and nectar is attractive to pollinators. The hardy hornbeam retains some of its foliage over the winter, giving shelter to wildlife during the colder months. Finally, of course, the English oak which plays host to greater biodiversity than any other native tree. The oaks trees planted here will join the ranks of many veteran oaks found across Hatfield Park, ageing gracefully and becoming silent observers of this special landscape.
However, tree planting is not an unusual activity at Gascoyne. Many hectares of new woodland has been established in years gone by, alongside the naturally regenerating woods managed through continuous cover forestry. A short walk from Conduit Wood are Jubilee Wood and Wake Wood, both planted during the current 7th Marquess’s time at Hatfield.
What is unique about this project is the way it was funded.
Each year, Hatfield Park welcomes thousands of visitors to large events in the Park. The impact of these events is substantial, with vehicle movements and generators causing greenhouse gas emissions, alongside the substantial disturbance of wildlife.
In 2023 we introduced a Carbon and Biodiversity Levy of 2% on all events and film shoots which take place at Hatfield Park. The funds raised from the levy sit in a ringfenced pot, which is used to invest in carbon and nature projects across the estate. This particular planting is immediately adjacent to the showground, where the majority of these events take place – a physical reminder of one of the beneficial ways for which the levy has been used.
Our event partners have welcomed the change which helps them reduce the impact of their operations. The events and hospitality industry has numerous challenges with regard to sustainability. The challenge of moving machinery, equipment and people around the world is substantial. However, the partners we work with are motivated to deal with these challenges, and we are pleased to support them. At Gascoyne we recognise that these projects will not mitigate the impact of the events entirely, and we continue to work with our partners to reduce emissions and waste during their time with us.
The nature of the estate is that each part of the business can support each other in the green transition. Our land management teams continue to play a vital role in reducing our impact. Through projects like this, we seek to connect the dots across teams, foster a spirit of collaboration, and continue our progress towards the sustainable business we aspire to be.
