Purpose
Agricultural landscapes are facing increasing pressure from climate change, land fragmentation and declining habitat diversity. Creating spaces for wildlife to move, feed and reproduce has therefore become critical. At ABP, we created biodiversity corridors to help protect natural ecosystems, support wildlife populations and enhance ecological resilience.
Action
As a starting point, ABP undertook a detailed assessment of the land around its processing sites and supplier farms. Through collaboration with ecologists, farm partners and local conservation groups, we established where new tree planting would have the greatest ecological benefit by improving habitat connectivity.
Trees were planted in structured linear sequences along field margins, watercourses and open boundaries to create wildlife corridors – connecting woodland patches and hedgerows into larger, functional ecological networks. The planting was accompanied by habitat management measures, including improved hedgerow cutting regimes, protection from livestock grazing, and the introduction of wildflower buffer zones in selected areas.
We also made sure to engage with farmers to ensure long term stewardship of the newly planted areas.
Impact
To date, ABP has planted over 58,000 trees as part of our corridor initiative, contributing directly towards our 2030 target of 100,000 trees. Already, the trees are beginning to form the foundational elements of new connected habitats.
Over time, these corridors will support a range of wildlife species. Birds and pollinators will benefit from the increased availability of food sources and nesting sites, while small mammals gain vital shelter and movement pathways.
Trees also play a central role in carbon sequestration and improving soil structure, helping to contribute towards ABP’s climate goals and strengthening the natural resilience of the landscapes surrounding our operations and supplier farms.