Growing Wild: BAM’s Future Leaders Embrace Rewilding in the Scottish Highlands
Growing Wild: BAM’s Future Leaders Embrace Rewilding in the Scottish Highlands
Twenty-three future leaders from construction firm BAM recently engaged in a rewilding expedition in the Scottish Highlands, travelling from across the UK to learn more about BAM’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity across its projects and operations.
During their visit, the group explored the 10,000-acre estate, where they took part in an informative ‘walk and talk’ session. This hands-on experience offered insights into the estate’s rewilding initiatives, allowing the group to see first-hand the methods used to protect rare, replanted native trees from overgrazing by deer. They also visited a plant nursery where native species, cultivated from local seed, are carefully nurtured for future planting, ensuring the long-term resilience and sustainability of the rewilding effort.
The visit coincided with BAM’s fourth year of partnership with the rewilding charity Trees for Life, which supports biodiversity initiatives in some of the UK’s wildest regions. With the involvement of BAM’s Future Leaders Group, the ‘BAMGrove’ now consists of nearly 5,000 trees, comprising a range of native species.
Emma Crowe, a trainee Quantity Surveyor and one of the attendees, commented:
“I learned a huge amount in the two days I was here, especially regarding the challenges the Highlands face in reintroducing biodiversity. As a city girl, I always viewed the Highlands as a perfect wilderness, but I've come to understand the many complexities involved in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. I’m pleased to have had the opportunity to help address that.”
Gaelle Bardsley, BAM’s Biodiversity Lead, added:
“It’s incredibly encouraging to see so many of our colleagues actively engaging in this initiative. We know that our industry’s emerging leaders are passionate about environmental issues and are keen to make a difference. The UK and Ireland have suffered significant biodiversity loss over the past 50 years, making our countries some of the least biodiverse in the world. This generation has the power to change that, moving towards an approach that respects the entire ecosystem rather than placing human needs first.”
