Meadfleet has been selected as a finalist in the SME category of the 2023 EDIE Awards. These awards recognise sustainability leadership and celebrate organisations that take a responsible and innovative approach to the environment and climate change.
Meadfleet is dedicated to sustainability and long-term management of the 545 acres in its care. The company’s goal is to reduce its environmental impact and maximize the benefits of green spaces for biodiversity and the fight against climate change.
Since 1995, Meadfleet has been appointed by local authorities and developers to manage and maintain public open spaces, creating a legacy for stakeholders, protecting the developer’s brand, and creating an environment that its customers value. The company currently cares for approximately 320 developments across England and Wales, which have a variety of multi-faceted requirements, including biodiverse species habitat, extensive woodlands, wildflower meadows, and sustainable drainage systems.
At the heart of Meadfleet’s agenda is the enhancement of biodiversity in its open spaces. The company’s ecology team, led by qualified ecologists, has assessed and benchmarked all its developments to identify and implement opportunities to increase biodiversity, often going above and beyond the requirements of planning permission and the original design brief. So far, the company has enhanced around 15% of grassland areas to improve their biodiversity value and has earmarked a further 37 acres for enhancement. Meadfleet’s teams are also trained in readiness for the forthcoming Biodiversity Net Gain regulations.
Recognising the role of trees in helping mitigate climate change, Meadfleet is committed to protecting, sustaining, and enhancing all trees and wooded areas under its management, and it takes a proactive approach to tree management.
The company launched its Bee Friendly campaign in 2019, partnering with Buglife, the UK’s leading insect charity, to create and promote additional pollinator habitats and provide customer and community engagement activities.
As part of its efforts to educate and engage with its customers and the wider community, Meadfleet hosts educational talks, bat walks, and planting days for schools and community groups. It also provides free wildlife resources, advice, and thousands of items including bird feeders, bird boxes, insect hotels, and wildlife-friendly seeds.
Meadfleet is also dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting climate action. In 2021, the company committed to the United Nations Climate Neutral Now Pledge and achieved Carbon Neutral status. It supports a UN offsetting scheme that supplies local communities in Malawi with improved fuel stoves, helping children stay in education, creating safer homes, and reducing the use of timber. Meadfleet also donates to a sustainable planting programme and has contributed over 2,300 trees to date.
The company is thrilled that its efforts have been recognized by the judges of the EDIE Awards and looks forward to the awards ceremony in March.
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