Donation to local biodiversity project

We are committed to evolving our infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce our environmental impact. This year we have completed the construction of our new state-of-the-art facility in Witney, Oxfordshire. With the site setting a benchmark for world-class design and development in medical devices, it will establish a centre of excellence for automation and assembly to deliver a portfolio that drives innovation for the long term. However, we also wanted to make sure we considered the sites environmental credentials as well. As a certified B Corp, member of the United Nations Global Compact, and supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, our sustainability agenda is of high importance so we of course wanted our new Witney building to reflect this.

 
During the sustainable planning phase, we donated to a local charity, the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment (TOE), as part of the responsible development process. By donating to this reputable trust, we helped to deliver a biodiversity uplift project within the Oxfordshire region and, as a result, our site was awarded with a Biodiversity Net Gain agreement. The project in question is a grassland creation initiative near Enstone, in Oxfordshire. Using our donation, TOE will be returning arable land to species-rich grassland, using locally sourced seed from a diverse meadow. Managing the project in a traditional manner with a mix of low-level grazing and hay cuts, this long-term project will secure a high-quality species rich meadow for at least the next 30 years. 

Creating species-rich grasslands and meadows is of utmost importance for the preservation of biodiversity and the overall health of our ecosystems. These diverse habitats support a wide array of plant and animal species, promoting ecological balance and resilience. Grasslands provide essential food and shelter for insects, birds, and mammals, serving as key breeding grounds and foraging areas. The intricate web of interactions between species in these habitats contributes to pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control, ultimately benefiting both the environment and agriculture. Moreover, species-rich grasslands act as carbon sinks, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Preserving these valuable ecosystems is a vital step towards safeguarding biodiversity, combating climate change, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

The owner of the land stated that “TOE and BNG has given me the opportunity to fulfil one of my environmental ambitions, reverting an arable field to species rich-grassland. It is in the centre of our farm, but visible from the roadside, so should provide not only a valuable habitat for wildlife, but also an enjoyable and beautiful site for all passers-by to enjoy.”

We are thrilled to know that our donation to TOE’s efforts is being used on a greatly impactful environmental uplift project within our local area. As a global company, we of course have a commitment to carry out our business responsibly across all our markets, however, due to our roots within Oxfordshire, the importance of our local community plays a markedly special role. 

Find out more about our sustainability initiatives here.