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The symbiotic relationship between biodiversity and business prosperity is only just starting to be explored. When will business see nature as an ally in the race to slow and reverse the effects of climate change?

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This Cranfield Sustainability Network Speaker Series event took a deep dive into the vital topic of biodiversity, focusing on both its economic and ecological significance. Hosted by Jim Harris, the panel brought together a mix of experts from businesses like Ground Control and Network Rail, each sharing insights into why biodiversity matters and how it’s increasingly becoming a priority for businesses.

Biodiversity, as it turns out, is not just about saving the rainforests or preserving wildlife—it's about everything from the oxygen we breathe to the raw materials that industries rely on. Jim kicked off by emphasising the many layers of biodiversity, from genetic diversity to ecosystem variety, and its critical role in human life. Whether it’s providing food and medicine or offering cultural and aesthetic value, biodiversity impacts our day-to-day lives in countless ways.

The Buzz about Biodiversity: Ground Control’s Collaborative Path to Biodiversity Action"

But the conversation didn’t stop at theory. Matt from Ground Control shared the company’s journey over the past 50 years, where they’ve been managing land and seeing firsthand the changes within the landscape. Their approach to tackling the biodiversity problem is by simplifying language and educating their clients. They take a collaborative approach as they recognise the crisis require diverse thinking, expertise and skills to come together in an organised way. One recent example Matt shared was a collaboration with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust at the Chelsea Flower Show to create a ‘Bee the Change’ garden which aimed to provide the public with quick, simple ways in which people can make their local areas more Bumblebee-friendly. By educating and encouraging everyone to play their own small part, we can collectively build the momentum for change.

Chris, also from Ground Control, shared the company’s Environmental Impact Fund which launched four years ago, investing 5% of net profits into green equity and land acquisition. They currently manage 400 acres of land, converting agricultural fields into diverse habitats such as woodlands, hedgerows, and species-rich grasslands. This hands-on approach aims to inspire others to follow suit, showcasing the role businesses can play in driving positive environmental impact. A key focus of their work is demonstrating that nature recovery can generate sustainable income for landowners and farmers. By showing how biodiversity initiatives can create financial returns, they hope to encourage broader participation. This economic incentive is crucial to achieving large-scale biodiversity efforts.

Chris emphasised the need for businesses to engage at all levels, from leadership to employees, and to challenge clients to reevaluate their land for biodiversity opportunities. Ground Control has a strong sustainability focus across the board, which helps drive their biodiversity projects forward. 

Education and engagement are also central to their strategy, bringing staff and clients to project sites to experience biodiversity initiatives firsthand. Chris left us with a clear message- with climate change and a biodiversity crisis at hand, immediate action is necessary. Even imperfect initial efforts are better than inaction, as time is of the essence in addressing these pressing environmental challenges.

Preserving Nature while Keeping the Trains Running on Time: The Lessons Learned and Opportunities for Action at Network Rail

Neil, the Biodiversity Strategy Manager at Network Rail, shared a fascinating and humorous look at the complexities of managing biodiversity on the UK’s railway system. With a background in forestry and ecology, and over 23 years of experience, Neil described the unique challenges of balancing a modern, high-speed railway with the protection of vital natural habitats.

Neil explained that the railway owns 52,000 hectares of land, much of which serves as crucial green space for biodiversity. He highlighted some quirky aspects of railway life—like still measuring distances in cricket-pitch "chains"—and the real-world problems posed by falling trees, protected species like great crested newts, and even the infamous "leaves on the line" that cause seasonal chaos.

From grass snake nests warming near electrical cables to rare trees growing only in the Avon Gorge, Neil painted a picture of a railway network that intersects with a surprising amount of wildlife. He emphasised how Network Rail is not just about moving trains—it’s about conserving the delicate ecosystems that live along the tracks. He acknowledged the responsibility Network Rail has to its 7 million neighbours, many of whom rely on railway-owned trees as the only greenery they see. The challenge, he said, is the complexity of managing a railway that intersects with so many natural habitats while ensuring safety and efficiency.  His message was clear: railways aren’t just a transportation system; they are also lifelines for the environment, and careful management is key to supporting both.

Helping Businesses Understand Biodiversity Impacts: A Theoretical Perspective from Cranfield Alumna Anna Barrett

Anna took a theoretical yet practical approach to discussing how businesses impact biodiversity. She introduced the concept of "ecosystem services," which include provisioning (natural resources like timber and food), regulating (processes like water purification), cultural (non-material benefits like enjoying nature), and supporting (essential functions like soil formation). 

Anna explained five key ways businesses harm biodiversity: land-use changes, pollution, overexploitation, climate change, and invasive species. She illustrated how issues like agricultural runoff lead to monocultures and how invasive species disrupt native ecosystems.

She then shared her research with Ground Control and its clients, using a method that explored how companies perceive biodiversity. The study revealed a lack of shared understanding both within organisations and between companies and their clients, which complicates collaboration. Anna pointed out that while some individuals, like Ground Control's Matt, have strong biodiversity knowledge, this expertise isn't always recognised or fully utilised.

Anna urged businesses to improve communication and understanding around biodiversity, internally and with clients. She stressed the need to include passionate voices and increase everyone’s connection with nature. By fostering a shared sense of wonder, businesses can make meaningful changes in their approach to biodiversity. Anna also shared her personal journey, explaining how her love for houseplants sparked a deeper interest in biodiversity, reminding the audience that appreciating nature can inspire lasting commitment to protecting it.

Final Thoughts and Answering Questions from the Audience

The panellists also opened up about their personal connections to nature and how it shaped their professional paths. Chris from Ground Control mentioned how the COVID-19 lockdown sparked a renewed public appreciation for nature, while Neil recalled a significant biodiversity-related incident in 2018 that reshaped Network Rail’s approach to managing their lands.

The discussion wrapped up with audience questions on making biodiversity relevant to businesses and the new regulations around biodiversity net gain (BNG). The panellists agreed that while compliance is key, collaboration and education are just as important. Chris also highlighted the need for alternative revenue streams for landowners to encourage them to manage land with biodiversity in mind.

The key takeaway? Businesses can be a force for good in the fight to protect and restore biodiversity, but it’s going to take collaboration, education, and public engagement to make real progress. And one action all of us can take is to make time to connect with nature, wonder and enjoyment can spark meaningful commitment to change

Speakers

Dr Rosina Watson

Head of Sustainable Business Group and Associate Professor of Sustainability, 麻豆传媒AV

Rosina鈥檚 research centres on sustainable innovation, both in large corporate organizations and by entrepreneurs, with a focus on how partnerships and collaboration can enhance sustainable innovation. She directs a specialist Sustainability MSc (available as a master鈥檚 level apprenticeship) as well as leading teaching on sustainability on general management courses, including the MBA and Executive MBA.

Professor Jim Harris

Chair in Environmental Technology, 麻豆传媒AV

Jim鈥檚 research is focused on microbial ecology and how the diversity of the microbiota and their spatio-temporal distribution affect ecosystem processes. He has applied this particularly in studying soil forming processes in disturbed landscapes and their role in organic matter dynamics; in the assessment and treatment of wastes such as landfill leachate and other wastewaters; restoration ecology and in the quantitative assessment of ecosystem goods and services. This work has been funded by BBSRC, NERC and EPSRC, local and central government, and industry and has informed government policy, industrial practices and academic disciplines ranging from terrestrial ecology to engineered ecosystems in treatment processes.

Anna Barrett

Management and Corporate Sustainability MSc Alumna

Anna recently completed her Master's degree in Management and Corporate Sustainability, building upon her strong foundation in Plant Science. Her dissertation delved into the relationship between corporations, their workforce, and the critical understanding of biodiversity.

Dr Neil Strong

Biodiversity Strategy Manager, Network Rail

Dr Neil Strong studied forestry and ecology as an undergraduate (Edinburgh, Scotland) and a post-graduate (Portsmouth, England).  He is biodiversity strategy manager at Network Rail providing expertise and support on sustainable management of the lineside necessary to improve the safety and biodiversity of the rail network.  He has previously worked on management of lineside assets including vegetation and boundary measures.  His current focus is delivering guidance and tools to integrate the management of biodiversity on the rail network into existing practice.  This work has to take account of environmental and social obligations on an estate where trains pass at up to 200kph.