04 Apr 2025
By Carl Dodd

A new era for England’s woodlands

air pollution, air quality, bees, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, Environment, forest bathing, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, mindfulness, Nature, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, organic, peat restoration, reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, rewilding, sustainability, sustainable living
An overview of the Western Forest Initiative The Western Forest Initiative represents a transformative approach to woodland management and environmental sustainability in England. Launched with the ambitious goal of planting 20 million trees by the year 2050, this project aims to counter the effects of climate change while enhancing local biodiversity. The initiative is not merely about tree planting; it encompasses a broader vision for the creation of 2,500 hectares of new woodland, which will serve both ecological and social purposes. One of the primary objectives of the Western Forest initiative is to mitigate the detrimental impacts of deforestation and…
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07 Feb 2025
By Carl Dodd

How the Net Zero Strategy is reshaping Business

2025, affordable warmth, biodiversity, Carl Dodd, circular economy, ecosystem, electric vehicle, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, EV, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, Net Zero Carbon, peat restoration, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., recycling, reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, sustainability
Councillor Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for city environment and climate change, with council parking attendant Jaswant Bhambra and the new all-electric vans A defining moment for UK businesses The UK has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, an ambitious target that is already reshaping the business landscape. As we move further into 2025, businesses across all sectors are facing new challenges and opportunities as they adapt to policies and regulations designed to accelerate decarbonisation. With key milestones such as a 78% emissions reduction by 2035 and the phasing out of petrol and diesel…
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24 Jan 2025
By Carl Dodd

2024 was a chaotic weather year

2025, affordable warmth, air pollution, air quality, Carl Dodd, draught-proofing, ecosystem, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, Floods, heat pumps, Heatwave, housing, humidity, hydroelectricity, KLB – Scottish NZC, loft insulation, mould, Net Zero Carbon, peat restoration, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rainwater harvesting, recycling, reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, solar array, solar panel, sustainability, sustainable living, tenants, ventilation, water neutrality, weatherproof, wind power, wind turbine
The effects of climate change are becoming more evident 2024 was a record-breaking year for extreme weather in the UK. Storms and floods caused an unprecedented level of damage to homes and businesses, leaving many homeowners facing costly repairs and insurance claims. Heavy rainfall, high winds, and flooding were more frequent and severe. With climate risks intensifying, homeowners can no longer afford to be reactive. Instead, proactive measures like retrofitting offer a long-term solution to protect properties against extreme weather. Retrofitting homes with better insulation, flood resistance, and storm-proof features is not just about avoiding damage - it is about…
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11 Oct 2024
By Carl Dodd

Wildlife Trust project reveals ancient woodlands

biodiversity, Carl Dodd, ecosystem, forest bathing, mindfulness, Nature, one planet living, peat restoration, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rewilding, Shinrin-yoku, sustainability
Ancient woodlands are rediscovered A two-year project across three counties (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire) has uncovered more than 1,300 hectares (3,271 acres) of previously unknown ancient woodland. The total area of ancient woodland in the area is now known to be 12,552 hectares (31,016 acres). The woods that have existed since 1600, are packed with a range of forest-loving plant life, fungi, insects and micro-organisations, that make up some 2.5% of UK land (609,990 hectares or 1,507,318 acres). Towards the 'ancient woodland' designation To be designated as ancient woodland, an area would have to have been wooded continuously since at…
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05 Apr 2024
By Carl Dodd

How to create a biodiverse and wildlife-friendly garden

air quality, bees, biodiversity, Carl Dodd, ecosystem, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, Nature, organic, peat restoration, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rainwater harvesting, Retrofit PRL, sustainability, sustainable living
England has recently introduced biodiversity legislation In a world first, England has recently introduced legislation requiring all new developments to boost nature. The biodiversity net gain law (BNG) came into force on February 12th, 2024 and ensures that habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before the development. New habitats must also deliver a 10% biodiversity gain, rather than simply replacing what has been lost. The Royal Institute of British Architects said that the law represents a 'major change' for architects, who would now have to "design with nature". Scotland, Sweden and Singapore are among…
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22 Sep 2023
By Carl Dodd

Our 2050 net zero target: watered down or more realistic?

carbon sequestration, Carl Dodd, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, peat restoration, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, rewilding, sustainability
  All change… for now at least As PM Rishi Sunak has recently announced plans to weaken some of the government's green commitments, we take a look at what this means. The new-look plans include a delay on banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, and policies being scrapped that would force landlords to upgrade efficiency in their homes. Even before these latest changes though, the UK was being criticised for falling behind in its efforts to reach "net zero" by 2050. This date marks a key international target intended to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Mr Sunak…
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21 Jul 2023
By Carl Dodd

How rainwater harvesting can help to conserve energy

carbon sequestration, Carl Dodd, energy efficiency, Floods, KLB – Scottish NZC, low impact, low carbon living, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, organic, peat restoration, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rainwater harvesting, recycling, reduce carbon footprint
Rainwater harvesting: an eco-friendly practice In our pursuit of sustainability, it is essential to explore innovative ways to conserve precious resources and reduce our ecological footprint. Rainwater harvesting offers a simple, yet effective, solution. By collecting and utilising rainwater, homeowners can reduce their reliance on mains water, which often uses significant energy for treatment and distribution. Understanding rainwater harvesting and its benefits Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting and storing rainwater that falls on rooftops and other surfaces. The collected rainwater can then be utilised for various non-potable purposes, such as watering gardens, flushing toilets, and washing clothes. This environmentally friendly…
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11 Jul 2023
By Carl Dodd

How rewilding and peat restoration play a vital part in achieving Sustainability

biodiversity, carbon sequestration, Carl Dodd, KLB – Scottish NZC, low impact, low carbon living, Nature, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, organic, peat restoration, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, rewilding
  Two key practices that contribute significantly to sustainability In the pursuit of achieving a sustainable future, it is crucial to explore and implement various approaches that restore and protect our ecosystems. Rewilding involves restoring natural habitats and reintroducing native species, while peat restoration focuses on rehabilitating degraded peatlands. Why rewilding is so important Rewilding plays a vital role in achieving sustainability by fostering biodiversity, improving ecosystem resilience, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. By creating larger and interconnected habitats, rewilding helps to restore natural ecological processes, support endangered species, and enhance ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification…
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