The research project will now move to its next phase, with 600,000 plantings across one of England’s most iconic estates.
A Healthier Earth’s ForestFactory innovation combines a number of environmental and climate technologies to increase the speed trees grow at, supercharging restoration and biodiversity projects.
Micropropagation – the use of native material from ancient woodland to produce genetically relevant plant stock – reduces the need for traditional seed-based growth. Autonomous vertical farming means saplings are cultivated in controlled systems using smart software to monitor and optimise their health, boosting survivability. Meanwhile, biochar, which is added to the soil, enhances water retention and fertility, further boosting growth and helping sequester carbon for up to 500 years.
Over a three year period, researchers at A Healthier Earth have been trialling in the ForestFactory concept at a small-scale facility at Blenheim Palace’s Walled Garden and a larger operation developed by the company Vertical Future. Among other things, light and nutrient conditions were tested to ascertain the best environment for nurturing the most resilient trees in the shortest timeframe. Saplings grown in this way were found to sprout four times faster, and reach 50% greater stem diameter, compared to those from traditional nurseries. Both are considered important barometers for health and survivability.
2,000 saplings have now been planted at the Blenheim estate, including native species like oak, hornbeam, and wild cherry, along with sycamore and Norway maple. Findings from the first stage of the trial will be used to expand efforts, with hopes of planting 600,000 at the location over the next three years, including both locally grown and ForestFactory saplings.
‘The results from the trial phase give us great confidence as we scale up our reforestation efforts as part of the Blenheim Estate’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2027.They are also a major first step in realising our ambition, through our partnership with A Healthier Earth, to provide a blueprint for others to follow,’ said Roy Cox, Managing Director of Blenheim Estate.
‘As the project advances, we will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the ForestFactory® approach in both meeting our climate targets at the Blenheim Group, and with the long-term goal of developing this blueprint for sustainable reforestation efforts across the UK, which will be vital in mitigating climate change and restoring biodiversity across the country,’ he continued.
More on climate change and net zero: