End-to-end logistics solutions provider XPO Logistics has launched a new project to enhance biodiversity around its sites in the UK and Ireland.
The Nature Network project is a key part of XPO’s plan to improve sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions across the business and within the microclimates around each depot. The company’s headquarters at Crick in Northamptonshire will be the first site to implement changes through the project, with plans to roll it out across multiple sites in 2025.
The company will sow 20 varieties of wildflowers across 0.8ha of land at Crick, and plant 50 native trees including blossoming trees, fruit trees like apples and damsons, and large canopy tree varieties to encourage nesting birds. Any fruit grown on-site will be offered to the canteen. Five beehives will be installed, with the honey produced also given to the cafeteria and offered to staff and visitors.
A wormery will take care of some of the cafeteria waste, while bug hotels and hibernation houses will help insects and hibernating species find a safe home. An 80m shrub hedge will provide additional natural habitats and cover for animals and insects.
The XPO Logistics Crick site is also beginning a new landscaping regime, which includes less cutting of grass and of the existing trees in the main car park area. This will also help to encourage wildflower growth. The pond area will also be enhanced to encourage amphibians, invertebrates and insects to become part of a thriving ecosystem and ensure a biodiversity net gain.
Dan Myers, managing director – UK & Ireland at XPO Logistics, said, “Each of these initiatives is a small step to improving the local environment and habitat. The passion the team has shown for enhancing biodiversity has been inspirational. This is another small step in addressing the overall sustainability of our business.”