The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) announced that over 40% of the world’s population are ‘highly vulnerable’ to climate change; the topic remains firmly on the world agenda, despite the terrible events occurring in the Ukraine. While this is a damning report, it does go on to say that there is still a brief window of time to avoid the very worst effects of climate change. Making responsible choices about what we consume has never been more important, and there are increasing numbers of businesess that are putting these considerations at the forefront of what they do.
As we pride ourself on being a sustainable manufacturer of quality furniture, our founder, Charlie Alexander, discusses our support of Rewilding Britain and the importance of rewilding in the battle against climate change:
“Nature is our life support system, it’s the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and the energy that sustains us. However, nature is in trouble. Wildlife is in dramatic decline. Species extinction and catastrophic climate change threaten all life on Earth, but nature has the power to heal itself and to heal us, if we let it. That’s what rewilding is all about; restoring ecosystems to the point where nature can take care of itself and restoring our relationship with the natural world.”
Rewilding Britain defines rewilding as the large-scale restoration of ecosystems to the point where nature is allowed to take care of itself. Rewilding seeks to reinstate natural processes and, where appropriate, missing species – allowing them to shape the landscape and the habitats within.
Rewilding Britain’s vision is for at least five per cent of the UK to be rewilded, with 25 per cent returned to broader mosaics of nature-friendly land and marine uses — including farming, forestry and fishing. Currently, native woodlands cover a mere 2.5 per cent of the UK. The goal is to help nature, for us to live better with nature and take our place as part of nature.
Rewilding is central to fighting climate change, with Rewilding Britain calculating that by restoring and protecting native woodland, peatbogs, heaths and species-rich grasslands over six million hectares could sequester 47 million tonnes of CO2 per year. This is more than a tenth of current UK greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainability and environmental considerations are at the heart of our design ethos with inspiration taken from nature, so supporting the charity was an easy choice. Rewilding Britain and Oxenwood believe in leaving a positive legacy for future generations; we all need to protect the planet and its diversity for future generations.
As part of our new partnership, we will be donating 1% of our total sales (irrespective of profits) directly to Rewilding Britain through our membership of 1% for the Planet.
When you buy our furniture, not only will you have a wonderful piece of furniture crafted using sustainable products, you will also be helping rewild the UK and combat climate change.
