Finlay Clark

Investment is being viewed through a new environmental lens. Funds seeking sustainable ventures are channelling capital into land-based assets to deliver tangible natural capital and renewables projects.

A focus on carbon credits is leading to new woodland creation being prioritised over the restoration and expansion of our remnant native woodlands. But the time has come to take a closer look at our so-called 'ghost' woodlands and, where possible, to resurrect them.

If 2021 was a crucial year for our global response to climate breakdown, then maybe 2022 can be the biodiversity equivalent?

In 2019, the UK and Scottish Governments made their commitments to net zero, with target dates of 2050 and 2045 respectively. Relatively, both countries are progressing well, with emissions falling faster than in other major developed economies. However, with 326m tonnes of ‘carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)’ emitted in 2020, there is still a long road ahead.

In a previous article, we outlined the £8.6bn opportunity for private investment into peatland restoration - in Scotland alone. But as the rules and standards around corporate climate action evolve, there is a risk that certain types of nature-based solution are sidelined, because they reduce emissions rather than removing carbon from the atmosphere.

Welcome to Bidwells' Scotland Spring Newsletter.

Welcome to Bidwells' spring 2022 Scotland Newsletter.

Welcome to our 2021 summer newsletter. As Covid-19 moves slowly from pandemic to endemic, we see many changes in the world around us.