Improving biodiversity & socioeconomic returns in the Cotswolds
The Story
In the UK, the health of our natural environment is in a state of steady degeneration. 56% of Britain’s species are in decline and 15% threatened with extinction. Since the 1970’s we have seen a rapid and continual net loss of nature.
One of the factors has been the post-war intensification of agricultural practices, which prioritised food production as the national farming strategy. Particularly in areas with low soil fertility, this has led to an increased reliance on pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers to produce foods and be economically profitable. These chemicals can negatively impact soils and the surrounding ecosystem. Crop yields then decrease due to degraded soils, meaning farming businesses have become dependent on subsidies. This is a lose – lose situation for biodiversity and rural communities.
And yet we know that our wellbeing, health and food security are all dependent on functioning, diverse ecosystems. Restoring natural environments and processes is our best protection against climate change.
How do we change this situation?
Sapperton Wilder was founded by Dr Jonathan Milner, a Cambridge biotech entrepreneur and Stroud local who was born and raised in Minchinhampton. After working with Sir David Attenborough on the Life on Our Planet Project, Dr Milner was inspired to acquire land that could contribute to finding solutions to this question.
The project takes an evidence-based approach to land use in an area of poor, over-worked soils, to understand how we maximise returns for nature, the local community, and grow food profitably.
Sapperton Wilder is exploring methods of land restoration while measuring biodiversity and social benefits. Over the next 30 years, the project will monitor key ecological indicators and socioeconomic returns by transforming 380 acres of 'marginal' Cotswold arable land to nature - based farming and creating a wildlife haven, that aims to inspire nature recovery across the country. We use the term 'marginal' in reference to the geological nature of Cotswold soils, naturally thin and stoney, requiring high levels of input for economic return.
A wildlife haven that inspires alternative, nature- first land use.
Mission
To demonstrate how reverting 'marginal' land back to nature while still producing food, can be low intervention and cost effective at scales achievable by the majority of landowners
Guiding principles to achieve the vision
Employ nature first land use planning
Adopt a blended, diverse, financial model accessing natural capital markets
Use evidence-based decision making generated by locally trusted scientific institutions
Deploy a spectrum of approaches to restore natural ecological processes from species rich grassland restoration to innovative regenerative farming practices
Create shared economic, environmental and societal value for the area
Become a Centre of Excellence for participatory science
Provide a playbook for landowners and land managers seeking to improve 'marginal' land
