COMMENT Aristotle’s observation that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” is as true today as it was in the days of classical Greece.
Blenheim Strategic Partners is built on an already successful partnership between Blenheim Estate and Vanderbilt Strategic. Its launch in March formalises the partnership, enabling Blenheim Strategic Partners to function as a land promoter and masterplanner which offers a joined-up model.
Partnerships are at the heart of this model, specifically in the opportunity for the landowner to remain involved throughout the development process as a long-term partner. In doing so the landowner not only derives added value and enhanced returns, but can ensure that their legacy informs the character of the resulting new community.
Furthermore, partnerships can provide solutions to universal problems, often resulting in incalculable benefits. And they have never been more relevant than in the universal fight against climate change.
Sustainable communities
Of the many environmental initiatives taking place at Blenheim, tree planting is one of the most important. The imperative is unquestionable. Research shows that changes to the way in which rural land is managed can deliver up to 37% of the emissions reductions needed globally by 2030.
There are 77m tonnes of carbon already stored in long-established woodland – approximately equivalent to the annual carbon emissions from every home in the UK. Significantly increasing tree planting creates the greatest chance of meeting net zero.
In one of the largest woodland schemes to date, Blenheim is working with Morgan Sindall Group and Cotswolds-based forestry company Nicholsons. Together we are planting more than 270,000 trees in nine new local woodlands. The project will be delivered with Grown in Britain, which will audit the many benefits that arise from the project, and the Forest Canopy Foundation, which will measure the “natural capital” and demonstrate the benefit of investment.
But our project is about more than carbon offsetting: it’s about creating both the imperative and the means for others to follow suit. Increasingly, Blenheim Strategic Partners will be working with landowners nationwide in creating sustainable new communities. We can utilise the experience gained to integrate woodlands into communities, both urban and rural, throughout the country.
Potential of partnerships
The link between the corporate world and local specialists demonstrates the true potential of partnerships.
Our many initiatives connected to nature schemes have seen us work with local charities, schools and community groups. From dog walking to fêtes, from woodlands to parkland, the great outdoors provides a unique opportunity for people to get together in healthy, inspiring surroundings. And informal partnerships such as these are what healthy communities are made of.
One of the significant benefits of the work with Morgan Sindall is that it enables us to deliver what is best for the landowner, the community and, of course, the environment. The project also demonstrates the importance of legacy: while it will have an immediate impact in terms of biodiversity, flood mitigation and cleaner water, it will also sequester 22,000 tonnes of carbon over the longer term – potentially thousands of years.
Morgan Sindall has demonstrated long-term commitment in undertaking a 25-year programme with Blenheim. In future, we hope to undertake similar, equally transformative approaches elsewhere in the country – enabling the universal goal of net zero to be met through the power of partnerships.
Roger File is chief operating officer at Blenheim Strategic Partners
