Burnham Waters luxury retirement community: Our planting initiative
At the Burnham Waters luxury retirement community, we understand that trees play a very important part in day-to-day life. In fact, they are vital to our existence! As the biggest plants on the planet, they give us oxygen, store carbon, stabilise the soil and give life to the world's wildlife.
With this in mind, we are proud to introduce our tree and hedge row planting initiative, which brings numerous benefits to the environment and promotes ecological improvements known as biodiversity net gain. By actively planting trees and creating hedgerows, we are taking steps to restore and enhance the natural world around us.
Tree planting phase 1A
With Phase 1A already in motion, we are focusing on the community zones B, C, and D, which cover plots 11-44, including the entrance to the development. The planted trees range in height from 1.25m to 3.5m and will contribute to the overall aesthetics and environmental sustainability of the area.
We have carefully selected a variety of trees to be planted, including:
- Silver Birch - A striking, medium-size deciduous tree. With its silver-white bark, it’s favoured by gardeners who want to renew and purify their land for coming year. When mature they can reach 30m in height, forming a light canopy with elegant, drooping branches.
- Ornamental Pear – Native to China, this tree thrives in a wide variety of environments and grows rapidly, often attaining heights of between 12 and 15 feet.
- Common Hornbeam – This is a broadleaf tree which has pale grey bark with vertical markings, and sometimes a short, twisted trunk which develops ridges with age. The branches are similar to beech but shorter and slightly curved at the tips. Come spring, hornbeam is the food plant for various moth species.
- English Oak – Found in woodland, the ‘wise’ oak holds a special place in our culture, history, and hearts. English oak supports more life than any other native tree species in the UK, even its fallen leaves support biodiversity.
- Wild Cherry – With its beautiful blossom and red fruits, wild cherry is one of the most aesthetically pleasing trees and loved by gardeners and wildlife alike.
- Himalayan Birch - This deciduous tree is closely related to our native silver birch but has a more compact habit and a whiter bark. It looks beautiful all year round, bearing long brown-yellow catkins in spring and golden leaves in autumn.
A total of 163 trees will be planted as part of Phase 1A, and we are also incorporating 200 meters of Instant Native Hedge, measuring 1.8m in height. These plantings are just a fraction of the trees planned for the entire first phase!
The benefit
Burnham Waters’ tree and hedge row planting initiative has the benefit of ecological positive net gain. Trees play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thereby reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Additionally, they provide different habitats for numerous species, contributing to biodiversity preservation. By planting more trees, we are creating new homes and safe havens for animals, insects, and birds, ensuring that our ecosystems remain healthy and diverse.
In addition, hedgerows serve as natural barriers and windbreaks, protecting landscapes from erosion and reducing wind damage. They also offer vital shelter and food sources for wildlife, and form ‘transport corridors’, linking different habitats and enabling movement between them. This helps a wide variety of species to thrive within our surroundings.
Both trees and hedges help prevent soil erosion and improve water quality by capturing pollutants and reducing runoff. Through these efforts, we are making a positive impact on the environment, ensuring that our actions contribute to the overall well-being and sustainability of our ecosystems.
The ecological net gain of our development
Ecological positive net gain refers to a situation where we do more good for the environment than harm. It means that when we undertake any activity or make changes to the natural world, we ensure that the overall impact is beneficial for the environment.
For example, suppose there is a company that wants to build a new housing development on a piece of land that currently has some trees and wildlife. Instead of simply clearing the land and building houses, they take measures to ensure that the environment actually benefits from their actions.
They might plant more trees than they remove, create habitats for animals, and implement eco-friendly practices such as using renewable energy sources and minimising waste. In the end, the overall result is that the environment is better off than it was before the development took place. This example is Burnham Waters luxury retirement community.
The idea behind ecological positive net gain is to make sure that any human activities or developments contribute to the well-being of the natural world, rather than causing harm. It involves considering the long-term impact on ecosystems, biodiversity, and the overall health of the planet. By adopting this approach in life, we can strive to create a sustainable balance where human progress coexists with and benefits the environment.
An ecology-led development
Through our dedicated efforts, we are making a positive impact on the environment, ensuring that our actions contribute to the overall well-being and sustainability of our surroundings. By striving for biodiversity net gain, we prioritise the long-term health of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the planet as a whole.
Together, we are making a positive impact and fostering a healthier, more vibrant future for all. At Burnham Waters, we believe that new housing developments can coexist with and benefit the environment. By embracing biodiversity net gain through a landscape led development, we are committed to building a brighter, greener future for our residents and the wider community. We want to lead the proactive change for our sector.
Get in touch
Are you interested in reserving a property, or have a few general questions about the project and planting initiative? Perhaps you know someone who would be interested in joining our luxury retirement community? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
There are plenty of ways you can get in touch and find out more about us:
- Head over to our FAQs page.
- Complete our enquiry form for a little more information.
- Email us info@burnhamwaters.co.uk
Additionally, our Marketing Suite is now open. Call our sales team at on 01621 861559 to arrange an appointment. Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of our home page and sign up to our newsletter for all the latest news on our community for the 55 and overs.
