Promoting Sustainable Biodiversity Biodiversity is the buzzword for 2022, with the variety of animals and plants on Earth important for many reasons... and today we have good news for you! New research has found our planet has no fewer than 73,300 different species of tree – and there are an estimated 9,000 still waiting to be discovered. This means Earth is home to 14% more tree species than previously thought. The study, which was carried out by 140 researchers in 100 countries around the world, also found most undiscovered species are rare and live in tropical forests. The bad news is these precious habitats are under constant threat from human activity, such as logging. Not only can this lead to mass deforestation and the decimation of trees and indigenous wildlife, it can ultimately worsen the effects of the global climate crisis. Thankfully, we can all do our bit to help biodiversity. At Greenbelt, for example, we recognise the importance of balancing the need for new housing with providing sustainable environments that encourage biodiversity. This is why we proactively include special features to our public open spaces that help nurture many varieties of flora and fauna – from different types of shrubs and trees to wildflower meadows, species-rich grassland and food-rich hedgerows. We also work with local communities to build wildlife refuges, such as bird boxes, bat boxes and hibernacula. Wherever possible we manage designated and protected habitats, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), ancient woodlands and Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). We believe our Planet Matters... to discover more about our role in ensuring sustainable biodiversity, guided by our Sustainability & Biodiversity Manager, visit our News section for regular updates. Previous article: Storm Warning Prev Next article: Vacancies at Greenbelt Next