Unlocking agroforestry's potential for wilding, carbon removal and biodiversity net gain.

26/03/2024 28 min

Listen "Unlocking agroforestry's potential for wilding, carbon removal and biodiversity net gain."

Episode Synopsis


This week's Sustain Talks features Archie Ruggles-Brise, an esteemed independent rural estate manager and environmental professional. With a captivating narrative, Archie will take you on a profound journey from his roots in the water industry to his current impactful role in managing his family estate in North Essex.

In this engaging dialogue, Archie unveils the estate's transformative shift from conventional agriculture to the innovative realm of agroforestry, where the harmonious balance between nature and food production takes centre stage. Delving into the intricacies of agroforestry, Archie illuminates its myriad benefits, from promoting sustainability and biodiversity to revolutionising farming practices.

But the discussion doesn't stop there. Archie delves into pressing issues like wilding, carbon removal, and biodiversity net gain, underscoring the urgency of managing woodlands and the potential for corporate investment in biodiversity offsets. Moreover, Archie paints a vivid picture of the estate's palpable allure, inviting people to experience first hand the nexus between environmental stewardship and public engagement.

Central to the conversation is the critical examination of flood impact in the UK and the pivotal role of agroforestry in mitigating flood risk. Through insightful discourse, Archie elucidates how strategic land use, including vegetation and trees, can effectively slow water flow, offering a lifeline in flood-prone regions.

Yet, amidst the challenges faced by farmers in embracing sustainable practices, Archie and and I advocate for comprehensive education and collaboration between stakeholders. Archie champions the prospect of corporate-farmer alliances, heralding a new era of nature conservation and sustainable agriculture.

Archie extends an open invitation for collaboration, emphasising the paramount importance of tangible actions in safeguarding biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

Don't miss out on this enlightening Sustain Talks episode that promises to inspire, educate, and ignite change.


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