Evergreen Fund: Five years of habitat creation and climate action

Wildfell, where it all began

Wildfell represents the Fund’s first and most iconic project. In 2021, Evergreen acquired Gray’s Farm, a 296-acre plot of environmentally degraded arable farmland in Braintree, Essex. Located within the South Suffolk and North Essex Clayland National Character Area and adjacent to the River Pant, the site has since been transformed into a dynamic mosaic of woodland, scrub, grassland, orchards, hedgerows, and wetland habitats.

This large-scale nature-recovery project has created approximately 340 off-site BNG units while serving as a vital carbon sink through extensive woodland planting. The project is supported by a robust environmental strategy, integrating community outreach, ecological education, and carbon credit generation.

In 2024, a new purpose-built education barn was opened on-site, further enhancing Wildfell’s role as a hub for learning, engagement, and ecological stewardship.

Swipe left to see Wildfell in 2025.  Swipe right to see how it looked in 2021

Delivering high-integrity biodiversity net gain (BNG) units

The Evergreen Fund supports developers in achieving BNG compliance through the sale of verified units across diverse habitat types:

• High distinctiveness woodland and hedgerow

• Medium distinctiveness grassland, shrub, and heathland

• Medium to high distinctiveness lake and aquatic habitats

All habitats are rigorously monitored and maintained, ensuring long-term biodiversity outcomes.

Devana habitat bank: Expanding the vision

In 2023, the Fund acquired its second major site, Devana, a 100-acre farmland plot in South Cambridgeshire. Now registered as one of England’s first official BNG habitat banks, Devana offers over 215 BNG units, with habitats including grassland, shrub, woodland, lake, and mixed heath.

Like Wildfell, Devana contributes to regional nature recovery while aligning with Ground Control’s net-zero and biodiversity goals.

More habitat banks on the horizon

Plans are already underway for a third site further north, with a fourth on the near horizon. Our ambition is clear: to scale the delivery of nature recovery sites across the UK and replicate this success internationally.

Beyond units: Building ecosystems and communities

The Evergreen Fund goes beyond commercial impact. It’s about species recovery, ecosystem enrichment, and creating a natural legacy for future generations. These habitats provide not only environmental resilience but also support global climate goals and enhance community well-being.

Trusted partnerships and volunteer power

Key to Evergreen’s success is collaboration. We've worked with a wide network of trusted partners, including:

• British Dragonfly Society
• Bumblebee Conservation Trust
• Essex Wildlife Trust
• FWAG East
• Plantlife
• RamSanderson
• Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
• RSPB
• The Tree Council
• Woodand Trust

Together, we’ve designed habitats informed by local ecological knowledge and scientific expertise. Our partners and clients also joined hands on the ground, participating in volunteer planting days, educational events, and conservation experiences like the 'bee safari' led by the BumbleBee Conservation Trust

Wildfell, as an educational facility, was bolstered in 2024 by the opening of a new purpose-built barn for educational workshops and community engagement.

Woodland creation and our path to net-zero

A core pillar of the Fund is our annual £100,000 allocation to native tree planting. This initiative has catalysed partnerships and projects nationwide, supporting over 13 major woodland creation schemes, including:

• Ourboretum (Cotswold Conservation Trust & BBC Radio Gloucester)

• Make it Wild (Yorkshire)

• Eastham Country Park (Wirral)

Having surpassed our 1 million trees planted target in 2023, two years ahead of schedule, we’re accelerating towards our carbon net-zero goal by 2038, as verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

Looking ahead.  30 years of a biodiversity legacy

From acquiring land and conducting baseline surveys to reshaping landscapes and fostering rich new habitats, the Evergreen Fund is a testament to what’s possible when purpose meets action.

To our clients, partners, and volunteers, thank you. Your support over the past five years has made this journey possible. As we enter the next chapter, we remain committed to delivering BNG and climate-positive impact for 30 years and beyond.

said Emma Hindle, Evergreen Board Director and Head of Sales and Service at Evergreen.