Gaelle Bardsley’s Post

It was a privilege - and a challenging task - to be involved in judging the CIRIA Biodiversity #BIGAwards again this year. A key highlight was witnessing the impressive collaboration across sectors: ecologists, landscape architects, engineers, NGOs, private companies, local government, and universities all coming together. It was also fantastic to see a shift from simply enhancing habitats towards a broader #NaturePositive agenda, addressing climate adaptation, carbon thinking, community involvement, education, and wellbeing. Systemic thinking is there! Congratulations to WBA Project Srl on winning the International #Biodiversity Project Award with their 'Conservation by Education' initiative and hands-on interventions connecting people with nature - a category proudly sponsored by BAM UK & Ireland.

I'm loving every moment of my Scottish trip, visiting BAM UK & Ireland sites and connecting with colleagues. It'd be hard to choose a highlight so far between walking through our BAM Grove at sunrise in the Highlands with FutureBAM, learning about a 600-year-old oak protected by fairies, hearing 'beavers' mentioned during a site induction, taking in the breathtaking view of the Cross Tay Green Bridge, reconnecting #nature on both sides of the road or finding out that my French ears are not doing too bad after all with the Scottish accent.😁

I had the pleasure of joining a fantastic panel discussion at the Conservation Optimism Summit at Oxford University, led by Dr Michael Burgass from Biodiversify. I was in great company with: Phil Townsend from Primark; Carolyn Jewell from CRH; Louise Ayling from Radley Yeldar; and Mirjam Hazenbosch from Biodiversify. We explored why businesses are stepping up their efforts in #biodiversity, the importance of aligning corporate strategies with #naturepositive goals, and how engaging with stakeholders can drive real change. We also touched on practical steps companies can take, like integrating biodiversity into supply chains and collaborating across industries and with academia to amplify impact. The private sector has a huge role to play in shaping a #sustainable future, and it’s encouraging to see businesses recognising this responsibility - but also this opportunity to thrive. A big thank you to Conservation Optimism for organising such an inspiring event! Looking forward to continuing these conversations and making a difference together. #Optimism is not just a hope or a mindset - it's a powerful tool for action. Because we must remain resolute and innovative in the face of the climate and nature crises. BAM UK & Ireland

After a successful #NoMowMay (+ 6 species this year!), it was time to trim my wild garden patch. 🌱 First, I used shears to gently cut back the taller, tougher grasses. This allowed any insects or small creatures hiding to escape without harm. 🌱 Then, I ran the lawn mower on a high setting, gradually lowering the height with each pass to the final length of 5 cm. 🌱 Finally, I raked up the straw-like cuttings to clear the area and remove some nutrients, helping prevent the lawn from becoming too fertile and encouraging more wildflowers to grow next year. 🌱 I also made sure to open up a few small holes in the ground (no wild boars around so for once I allowed my dog to dig!). This helps seeds settle directly onto the soil, giving them a better chance to germinate next year. The garden looks a bit yellow now, but it will regreen beautifully in a couple of weeks, ready for football-kicking season. 😊 #GardenGoals #WildlifeFriendly #Biodiversity #WildflowerMeadow

Our Wendy house is still looking as inviting as ever, even after all these years! Built with treasures found in skips. ♻️ #circularity #upcycle #reuse #nowaste #fun #free

Recipe for a delicious, nutritious and organic snack. Serves: 3 bats ---------- 🍴 Sink an old bucket in the ground. 🍴 Pour rainwater. 🍴 Leave to marinate. 🍴 Reserve a patch of garden. 🍴 Allow it to rise and grow wild. 🍴 Your snack bar is now open. 🍴 Contemplate nature’s feast. --------- #MasterChef #Biodiversity #NoMowMay

I often laugh about how terribly my first #ecology graduate job interview went... There was a picture of a blue tit, and I was asked to identify it. I had just arrived from France and could barely speak or understand English. But since the bird seemed petite and feminine, I ventured a "Ladybird?" The interviewers glanced at each other, holding their laughter. I wanted to hide and never reappear. It was hard to recover from that. The amount of work ahead felt insurmountable. I had a good cry, but then went on learning five English words a day, five bird species a day, and a bit more… So, yeah, I felt rather happy opening that letter this morning. #CEnv