After three months as the Chief Ecologist for a game-changing telecoms startup, Chris Packham CBE talks us through the company’s rewilding projects.
Launched in 2018 by Ecotricity, Ecotalk claims to be the world’s greenest mobile network, which offers users affordable access to the EE 4 and 5G network while donating 100% of profits to conservation projects.
According to the firm, its schemes and projects benefit biodiversity through rewilding and habitat protection, while also delivering carbon sequestration through nature based solutions. It’s an impressive pitch.
Part of the Green Britain Group – which also includes ethical jewellery brand Skydiamond, plant-based food specialist Devil’s Kitchen, sustainability accreditation organisation GreenCode, and offset platform Carbon Bank – Chris Packham has been drafted as Chief Ecologist. So far, he has led on efforts in Sussex and Devon.
In autumn, Ecotalk produced a short film documenting these endeavours, presented by the legendary conservationist (and, as per his current Radio 4 series, lifelong punk fan). This video walks us through the projects, including the technical challenges that needed to be overcome and new opportunities that have arisen as a result of the ongoing work.
Among other things, the 20-minute watch explains the difference between beaver, stock and deer fencing. We also learn how to install an A-frame barn own box, and the benefits of soft edging and letting scrub and new woodland naturally grow into fields. It’s a prime example of an approach to reintroducing flora which is genuinely effective, because it mirrors the way these habitats naturally developed.
Image: Ecotalk
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