There is a HILF Book Sale on Saturday 12th February on The Green from 10-12pm.
A great selection of preloved children’s and adults’ books at pocket money prices or pay what it’s worth to you!
HILF is fundraising to support events and facilities at Histon Library.
HI Friends are organising a variety of events over the Jubilee Weekend on the Recreation Ground from 1st – 5th June.
Please see https://www.hifriends.org.uk/events/jubilee-weekend/ for more information.
The Histon Co-op store is holding a live Fairtrade event from 11am – 1pm on Monday 14th February.
This is an opportunity to discuss Fairtrade and learn more about what it means to you and the community. Go along to find out how together we can make a difference and co-operate for a fairer world .
As local couple Richard and Tara Lescott finally succeed in launching Uno Lusso, the business that lockdown tried so hard to snuff out, Amanda Borrill has been finding out more about this little piece of luxury right here on our doorstep.
Eighteen months into this pandemic, we are all way too familiar with its impact and the destruction seen in its wake. Few of us will have come through unscathed and for many it has brought about a radical re-evaluation of what is important. For the Lescotts, inspired by their love of all things Italian, the creation of Uno Lusso (One Luxury) with its stylish black white and chrome imagery was to be the catalyst behind the very brave decision to leave behind well paid jobs in the corporate world and head into the world of home fragrance.
New Horizons
High fliers in recruitment, Tara and Richard had both climbed the corporate ladder, ultimately becoming directors on the Board at Hays Plc. Richard was CEO of the Nordics and the couple enjoyed several years in Stockholm before returning to the UK and setting up home here in Histon. Founders of their own management consultancy with offices both here and in London, working life was becoming ever more successful with Tara becoming a published author and columnist for industry magazine, The Recruiter. Dark clouds though were gathering and their love for the industry diminishing.
Tara takes up the story:
“All my life candles and home fragrance were a way of de-stressing and making our home feel calm and restorative but, with a chronic health condition, I found most shop-bought candles triggered horrific migraines. This led me to research more about how they were made and how to do it myself – which I studied for quite a few years – never once thinking that this was a business or alternative career. I viewed it as a hobby and, quite honestly, a form of meditation whilst also allowing me to have my beloved candles and wax melts without headaches and black walls! It was only my complete and utter disillusionment with recruitment that made me seek alternative careers options and a friend suggested candles. By this time many friends and family kept asking me to make them and so we decided to quietly test whether people would buy them while also keeping our other business going.
“As you may have guessed, it went pretty well to the point where we could no longer run both businesses and we had to take the very difficult and scary decision to close one and keep the other – choosing to fully commit to Uno Lusso despite everyone telling us we were crazy! This was February 2020. Within the space of a week – completely by accident we stumbled upon the beautiful location at Manor Farm. It wasn’t even on the market – but we signed the lease and moved in just 2 days before lockdown”.
No way back
The couple had invested all their savings into launching a business that could not now operate as planned and most of the equipment and money spent on trade shows and events was also lost as many of those companies folded or refused to refund. Faced with having to completely rethink their entire business model, the couple had to move fast and their only option was to head online. Beginning with videos on Instagram, and taking the risky decision to give lots of product away for free – allowing people to test run their products – sales steadily grew. The product range has now increased to the point where, today, they can no longer cope with demand and need to expand their team.
Tara continues:
“They say ‘if you want to take the island you must burn the boats’. The boats were well and truly set on fire but we were not the firestarters! We literally had our backs against the wall. We had no old business to return to – it did not exist but would have gone with COVID anyway. We had no savings left to reinvest in changing our business model but what we did have was a crazy work ethic and a lot of belief and passion for what we wanted to create and the raw materials. We gave away product, ensuring it was so good that people would want to come back and buy. With people feeling stressed and at being at home more, that plan really paid off. Via Instagram, we showed how we were different and shared the ups and downs of a struggling family business. All this was enough to get us going but we were constantly beset by problems with supplies and pricing – the costs of our raw materials have increased by almost 300% since lockdown. So we had to change course again and push ahead with products where we could get supply. These challenges with supplies remain, even today”.
Hollywood calling
These last months, however, have not been without a few bursts of sunshine and, with much joy, Tara told me how they very nearly missed out on an incredible opportunity which they feared was a scam…
“A major global movie franchise was researching online to recreate a luxury shop for a critical scene in their movie and seeking a luxury candle brand. When we asked the production buyer why he chose Uno Lusso, he said it was purely based on how the products looked – in particular our Venetian glass candle jars with lids, our packaging and diffusers. They really liked our black, white and silver theme and consulted with us to recreate the displays and products. We even produced signage and layout to ensure it reflected our brand – it actually looks a lot like the inside of our new shop.
“We actually didn’t believe the call at first – and didn’t respond to the first two calls. It was only on the third call when we were asked to sign various waivers and non-disclosure type documents that we began to think it might be for real. At that point, we were informed of exactly who was in the film and what film it was (we have since seen some very brief footage of a scene being filmed) and we realised it was not a joke! What’s more, the production company actually paid for all the hundreds of products it used. It was very exciting, surreal and crazy, and now we have the wait for the film to be released at which point we are allowed to share our involvement more fully”.
The big day arrives
Finally, on Saturday 4 September, Tara and Richard, supported by their children Chloe – an ‘A’ level photography student who shoots many of the promotional images – son Tristan and many other family, friends and customers, finally held the launch party they had feared might never happen. Cutting the ribbon of their new on site shop was Eve Wall, aka Mumma Eve, a lady who became very important to the family during lockdown. Tara explained:
“Ok, so Mumma Eve is a real character! Her name is Eve Wall and she became very important to us during lockdown. She is a customer – beginning with an order placed after a recommendation. She has chronic breathing issues and didn’t want to give up her beloved candles and wax melts but couldn’t tolerate most brands. She tried our products and fell in love. What I didn’t realise was that she runs a #Hinching (cleaning phenomenon) group on Facebook with over 50,000 members. She was so impressed with our products, that she shared with her group and we were hit with a landslide of orders.
“We owe her a lot – she continues to promote us to anyone that will listen to this day! She has genuinely become a friend and it felt right for her to open the shop. I really don’t think we could have survived lockdown with her help”.
Shop Local
Uno Lusso will be taking part in HI HUB’s autumn Shop Local campaign this October, created to give a little extra boost to the huge range of businesses we are lucky enough to enjoy here in our community. Tara explains what they will be offering:
“We are bringing back the offer that got us started – a FREE sample pack of 12 melts (£10 value) with the first purchase when visiting the shop for anyone who quotes the code HISIMP or brings our voucher.
“On Thursday 16th September from 8am – 4pm, we will be on Histon village green. We’ll have balloons for the kids and some tables and chairs so people can sit with some space and smell our range of fragrances. People can purchase on the day too if they wish but the event is really to promote that we are here and open. We hope people will drop by and pick up a voucher for the HI HUB Shop Local offer at the same time.
“We have customers all over the UK and we would really love to have more local customers – as a family we very much invest in local businesses as much as possible and think it’s really important for our local community to thrive.
“We have lived in many villages around Cambridge. We have also both lived and worked abroad, yet nowhere comes close to Histon & Impington. It’s a special place and to keep it that way we need our small businesses, our High Street, our schools and open spaces to thrive. The biggest challenges for small businesses is yet to come”.
Uno Lusso opens its doors to the public next week on Thursday 16th September. You can find them at West Barn, Manor Farm, Milton Road Impington, and also on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
They will be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Keep a look out for future changes to opening times on the website. They also welcome online orders and offer a Click & Collect service. Full details via the website.
Almost 400 cyclists have raised nearly £1,500 for local charity HI Friends by taking part in Histon & Impington’s Strawberry Community Cycle Event, which went ahead under beautiful blue skies last weekend.
The joyful two- (and three-) wheeled event saw different ages and abilities arrive at the starting line throughout the morning to participate on four different routes. 210 of the keenest and fittest cycling enthusiasts entered the two longer rides of 55 miles and 28 miles, while the two shorter self-guided routes, aimed at family participation, saw a further 163 riders take to the saddle.
Local clubs and businesses threw their efforts into the event too, with an on-site Rutland Cycling stall helping with bike issues, and members of the joint organising groups – Histon and Impington Bicycle Club and HI Friends – greeting participants at the starting line and on their return. Weary participants were met at the end by the smell of a barbecue manned by Cambridge Scouts and the offer of a free massage from Fit Again Sports Therapy.
Established in 2015, the Strawberry rides are among the most successful annual mass participation sporting events in the village – only interrupted by the pandemic, which led to its cancellation in 2020. Anna Strivens, Communications Officer for HI Friends, explained: “The rides give cyclists of all standards the chance for a relaxing ride along the country roads of south west Cambridgeshire with others. Participants range from young adults to veterans, from occasional cyclists to keen club riders, and everyone cycles at their own speed or with friends and family.
“After the disappointment of having to cancel last year, the atmosphere this year was particularly jovial and excited, and we are very grateful to everyone involved – those who raised money by taking part, and those who offered their time and services to make the Strawberry Community Cycle Event such a memorable occasion.
“Special thanks go to our marshals, the groups manning the refreshment stops along the routes and all supporting organisations. We hope everyone enjoyed the event as much as we enjoyed running it, and look forward to seeing you back at the starting line in 2022!”
A new charity has started work to enable the vision for securing this valuable community space to become a reality – and local residents can get involved.
The launch last week of a new charity in the village has opened the door for a fundraising campaign that will secure the 11-acre Croft Close Set Aside and 4.5-acre Long Meadow land for the community, as a haven for wildlife and a green space where people can experience, learn about and enjoy nature.
The new charity, Histon & Impington Green Spaces, has now been registered with the Charity Commission and its six trustees – three nominated by the Parish Council and three by the community – will become the formal custodians of the land when fundraising is completed. They are tasked with ensuring it always remains true to the original vision of conserving nature and heritage on the sites, while enabling people to enjoy these much-loved places.
Friends
Villagers have been using the Abbey Fields land – part of the Abbey Farm estate – for centuries. Earlier this year it was bought by the Jenking family, with a view to taking it off the market and giving local people the time to raise the money needed to keep it out of the hands of property developers.
READ ALSO: Celebrations as Abbey Fields sale reaches completion
A new Friends organisation will elect a committee that will manage the land, lead on the fundraising and report to the charity trustees. They will be ensuring that Abbey Fields are well-conserved and managed spaces; providing regular information on the animals, trees, and plants; providing volunteering and educational opportunities; and linking with other community groups to help protect and improve green open spaces generally. They will also be canvassing the views of local people and site users and involving them in planning, decision-making and management.
Some volunteers have already set to work, with the Site Management Action Group meeting weekly and path clearing being very active. More are needed to support the work including the website, publicity and communication, administration and fundraising.
Join in!
The charity trustees are encouraging everyone who wants to support the project to get involved. The first meeting of the Friends Group will be next week on Thursday 9th September at 7.30pm at Histon Baptist Church and also live on Zoom. 80 people can attend in person, with normal Covid-19 precautions in place. Anyone can register for free tickets for the live meeting and Zoom attendees will be able to pick up the link on the Abbey Fields website.
As well as a short review of progress, the meeting will hear a presentation of the extraordinary wildlife on our doorstep. There will be information about the Friends group, including a new young Ambassador group, and about elections to the Friends Steering Committee.
For more information see the website or email info@abbeyfields.online.
Sign up here for tickets for the inaugural Friends meeting.
As we move into Step 4 of the Roadmap out of lockdown, HI HUB reports on four female-led independents hoping to walk away with a 2021 ‘Muddy’ award, and plans to support all local businesses through the months ahead.
On 19 July we entered Step 4 of the UK government’s roadmap out of COVID, lifting many of the legal restrictions imposed during the pandemic. Timed to coincide with the end of the school term and the warmer months, when more activities can take place outdoors, this relaxing of the pandemic rules brings with it both relief and confusion as our local businesses strive to ensure that visiting customers continue to feel safe and secure.
Keeping it local
Shopping locally brings many benefits. For us personally, it brings with it the chance to get to know our community better, benefiting our mental health and wellbeing. For the community as a whole, it strengthens our economy and provides employment. And for the environment, it lowers our carbon footprint with more opportunities to make journeys on foot or by bike. All great reasons to keep it local!
The past 16 months has seen our local businesses tested in ways nobody could ever have anticipated and the support of the community as they claw their way back will be vital if we are to hold on to the diverse range of businesses we are lucky enough to enjoy here in Histon and Impington. It is with this in mind that HI HUB, in collaboration with our Parish Council, is planning a village-wide initiative this autumn aimed at promoting the benefits of ‘Shop Local’ with some great deals for business owners and the community alike. Look out for more news on this exciting project here on HI HUB in early September.
Leading the way
Coming out of the restrictions with a few minor scratches but still with big smiles on their faces are four female led H&I independents, all hoping to earn a 2021 Indie business Muddy Stilettos award. Now in its eighth year, the much coveted ‘Muddies’ showcase lifestyle businesses across 25 counties in 27 categories ranging from Best Art Gallery to Best Yoga/Pilates studio.
Taking up position in the shortlist for Best Beauty Salon is Estelle’s Histon High Street, fronted by Estelle Ashdjian. Having been open officially for only 16 weeks, and faced several setbacks due to the various lockdowns, Estelle told HI HUB “We are so happy and grateful to all our clients for nominating us. It is amazing being up for our first award, especially with us having been open such a short time. It would be incredible to win!
Read also: ‘My salon door is always open’
“The support we have received locally since opening has been amazing with people constantly messaging to compliment us or book in after being recommended by friends. We have had the best start we could have asked for. It is marvellous too that the three other H&I finalists are all run by remarkable business women”.
Overjoyed with her nomination in the Best New COVID Biz category is Sarah Barnes with Cool Beans Coffee Co. Sarah and her little blue van has been a sight for sore eyes during lockdown, dispensing joy in the form of lattes and tasty bites across our villages and beyond.
Read also: New business is booming in H&I
I asked Sarah what it meant to be a finalist in this very unique category: “I can’t really take it in that, from serving my first coffee as the sun came up on Christmas Eve 2020, I am now in the finals for the Best New Covid Biz, and that really is testament to the amazing community that we live in.
“I am so grateful to all of you who have come out regularly in all weathers for a coffee and a chat at my little blue van. It has been a privilege to get to know you all and a massive thank you to everyone who nominated Cool Beans to get me into the finals. Please take the time to get behind all our fantastic local businesses who have overcome many hurdles during the last year. It would be brilliant if Histon & Impington could claim to be home to all the winners!”
Blooming happy in the category of Best Florist is Lucy Hill and the Gin House Flowers team. Since popping up in the previously empty School Hill unit (now occupied by Stir) Gin House has built up a strong community relationship here in H&I and is now finally happily embedded in its new home on Histon High street where their beautifully decorated shop brings joy to passers by.
Lucy, Mr Gin House and Frankie – described by Lucy as ‘the real boss, florist extraordinaire, Prosecco lover and maker of the most beautiful bouquets’ – have fought their way through the many challenges thrown at them over the last 16 months coming out smelling of roses on the other side.
Read also: “I can’t put into words how much I missed being here”
Lucy is thrilled to be nominated and told us: “It’s amazing to be recognised after such a tough 16 months. The support from the village has been overwhelming; not just for ourselves but the other nominees also. To win would be incredible but to just get this far has been fabulous”!
The fourth local finalist, and nominated in the category Best Gift Shop, is Topiary Tree.
Located adjacent to our beautiful village green, in the unit previously occupied by Daisy Chain, Topiary Tree’s opening has also been thwarted many times along the way by COVID lockdowns and restrictions. But owner Alison Douglas was determined not to allow lockdown to stop sales and, for several months, the shop went online with Alison offering local deliveries. Fully open since April, Topiary Tree customers are now, once again, able to enjoy gift browsing in person.
Read also: Histon & Impington is back in business
Alison shared her joy at being nominated: “I feel privileged to be a finalist for Best Gift Shop in Suffolk & Cambs. The support from customers (old and new) has been inspiring since re-opening on my own and I would like to thank all those who have voted for me. It proves what a great village Histon is to live and work. Good luck to everyone.”
Voting in all categories closes at 5pm on 23 July so there is still time to vote for your favourites. Winners will be announced on 29th July.
The past 16 months of uncertainty have brought with them many hurdles to jump for all of the businesses here in Histon & Impington. If you are an H&I business and wish to register an early interest for our autumn Shop Local campaign, or would like to join our growing list of Business Directory members, please drop an email to Mel Lerway, Publishing Manager, via admin@hihub.info and she will ensure all relevant information is sent out to you before launch.
Histon Salvation Army Church have reopened their new and refurbished halls this week after a major building project which was first envisioned around forty years ago and finally got underway just weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic began.
The Salvation Army Divisional Commander for Central East, Major Martin Hill, led a service to mark the re-dedication of the worship hall and the opening of a brand new multi-purpose hall.
New facilities, new opportunities
The worship hall has been refurbished with a new carpet, ceiling, decoration throughout and new sound desk. The premises have been extended at the back where there is a large and airy multi-purpose hall. This has bi-fold doors across the back wall opening out onto the garden area with artificial grass and ample space for children and others to be in a safe, enclosed environment. The building project has also included a much larger kitchen area than before, an office and plenty of storage areas. The whole building is accessible to the disabled including the new toilets in addition to the existing one.
The Ladybird Playgroup have already started using the new hall which will also be available for wider use including hire by the community for certain events and conferencing. Both the worship hall and multi-purpose hall have excellent audio visual and networking equipment installed with motorised drop down screens. The screens can be linked so if one hall is full those in the other hall are able to join in via the screen.
From vision to reality
Captain Rob Symons explained “The vision for this building project was initially conceived about forty years ago with the plans of the current work having actively started around seven years ago”.
Going from detailed plans to the start of build involved a large fundraising exercise with the vast majority of the funding being raised by The Salvation Army in Histon and Impington with the balance of the funding coming from the Divisional and Territorial Headquarters of The Salvation Army. The Histon Salvation Army Care and Share Shop gives 100% of its profits for work by the local Salvation Army. Some of this has gone into funding the building project and any excess goes into the ongoing ministry and mission work.
The building work was done by Gybe Build Ltd who The Salvation Army have worked with on many projects and have a good relationship. It started in February 2020 and was forecast to take 22 weeks. Just weeks later the arrival of the pandemic changed all this. Since the back wall of the original building had been demolished the building work was allowed to continue all be it at a slower pace due to fewer contractors being permitted onsite and delays in getting supplies.
The basic design was done by architects at Rider Levett Bucknall with a few refinements by church member Edd Stonham and a project steering group that has overseen and installed the audio visual and communications equipment through his company Avanit Systems Ltd.
Deeper community engagement
Captains Rob and Georgina Symons are delighted with the outcome of the project which has more than doubled the size of The Salvation Army premises and allows them to engage in new and exciting ways with the local community.
One new use of the building will be a Make Lunch Club starting in August. This is a new scheme where, in partnership with the local Transforming Lives for Good team, families with a low income will be warmly welcomed and invited to join in with meal preparation, fun activities and encouraged to form friendships with one another in a safe, welcoming space while eating lunch. The Salvation Army will initially make contact with families via referrals from the Brook Primary School but they hope to widen this scheme to others once it is successfully up and running. They have received funding to cover their first year from local sources including HI Friends.
Captain Georgina Symons said: “We are also excited to be able to welcome families into our new space at our new parent and toddler group in the autumn”. This is complementary to the Ladybirds Playgroup which has been operating from their premises for many years and they remain committed to supporting Ladybirds Playgroup into the future.
A video including a montage of photos of the new hall and the project from conception to completion can be found at https://youtu.be/o18TAcxSA5g
Event organisation is well known for being stressful but organising an event in COVID times guarantees many difficult decisions. HI HUB shares the latest news on what’s on and what’s not during Feast Week from Steve Cox, Feast Chair:
We’ve been on a rollercoaster ride since the Feast AGM in January! A fabulous organising committee has put together a wealth of Feast Week events. Until recently, we had planned some large scale gatherings and opportunities for the community to come together. But for reasons we are all aware of, these have been cancelled..or have they? We highlight the difference between cancelled and postponed because the concerts, the indoor events, the market will all run again. Maybe in Feast Week 2022, maybe sooner? We are looking at options and will keep the community informed. Safety in these final weeks of lockdown is paramount, but there is an end in sight.
So as in every other year before, Feast Week 2021 will celebrate the villages, the community and its businesses.
Summer Feast loyalty card
In these difficult times, loyalty is more important than ever. We’ve been trying to organise a few feel-good events, but local business has had to adapt beyond recognition in many ways this year. The Feast Loyalty Card asks you to shop and use local businesses in Feast Week to show your loyalty, with the chance to win prizes for completing the card – see http://hisimp.com/feast/feast-loyalty-card/ for full details. We thank the 26 local businesses for getting involved and offering profits made on special products to Feast Funds and a range of prizes. Due to the number of prizes available, the number of purchases needed on the Loyalty Card to enter the Prize Draw has also been reduced from ten to five!
HI Trees green canopy
Feeding into a national initiative, this is a chance to plant new trees in our community. See the dedicated article on HI HUB this week for the full story.
HI Doughnut Awards
A chance to celebrate and recognise people who have altered the social foundation or environment of our villages, in collaboration with the Parish Council, Council of Churches and HI Friends – see http://hisimp.com/feast/hi-doughnut-awards/ for more details. All five group awards have been funded by our Beer Festival Committee who unanimously voted to fund the awards and all group award winners will nominate Local charities or groups to receive the money they have won.
Broaden your mind
With a range of online talks including the HI Trees’ Green Canopy, the impacts of flooding, the excavation of a Spitfire in the Fens, guided walks and an open air quiz, there are many opportunities to get involved safely this year. Our Feast website along with the What’s On pages on HI HUB are being kept up to date with events and links throughout the week so do remember to check in online over the coming days.
Thank you!
This year the committee has been amazing; bursting with ideas and pushing ahead with the organisation of events that have altered the shape of Feast Week. This has allowed us to celebrate the community and reflect on the last 18 months. The committee members deserve a huge thanks for having the vision to plan and the integrity to respect the current situation.
We invite you, please, to join us in celebrating Feast Week 2021 – these events are for our villages, our businesses and our community.
A dedicated JustGiving page has been established to aid fundraising for this year’s Feast. You can find full details of how to donate here.
Plans are afoot to create our very own Green Canopy and HI Trees, the group behind the mission, needs your help. Dan Mace and Amanda Layzell explain how we can all play our part in this long-term initiative.
Is there a place in the village that holds a cherished memory for you – perhaps of a special person or a significant time in your life? Planting a tree can be a wonderful way to commemorate a happy time or much loved person in your life – past or present. Let’s plant more trees in Histon and Impington and create our very own Green Canopy.
Trees and hedgerows benefit us and the environment in so many ways.
But where could we plant these much needed trees? During Feast Week, and into the future, community group HI Trees will be seeking your thoughts and asking out across the community of Histon and Impington for ideas. Maybe there is a piece of green space outside your house that would benefit from a specimen tree? Or, perhaps you have spotted somewhere on your local walk where a few trees, a copse or some hedging could be planted?
The HI Trees team has prepared an online form which you can access here. The system is ready to go so you can complete it now if you have a suggestion. Alternatively, look out for paper copies of the forms available from 26 June onwards at St Andrew’s Cafe, Print-Out, Station Stores and the Parish Council Offices. This is a long-term initiative and support of the community will be vital to make it a success.
In order to purchase these trees and hedges, the team will be seeking funding. Perhaps you could sponsor a tree? Sponsoring a tree is the perfect gift – a gift that will continue to grow over years to come, a gift that is ecologically sensitive and a gift that brings joy to the whole village. It will also provide a home for a multitude of nature – what more perfect gift is there than that!
On Tuesday 6 July at 8pm, HI Trees will be hosting a Zoom meeting to talk in more detail about this initiative. Hosted by Dan Mace, he’ll talk more about why we should plant trees, what has been done in the village so far, and what more can be done. If you want to fully participate in the talk, you will need to take along a bar of chocolate – any bar will do, just make sure you know how much it weighs!
Currently there is a national ‘plant a tree for the Jubilee’ campaign being coordinated by Executives of the Government and the charity Cool Earth called the Queen’s Green Canopy. This national project will see all counties of the UK being invited to create a network of individual or specimen trees, tree avenues, copses and woodlands in honour of Her Majesty’s 70 years of service to the Nation so our community project is in very good company.
If you have any questions, or need any further information, please contact Dan Mace on dan.r.mace@gmail.com
Useful References
Why are Trees Important for Biodiversity? – Woodland Trust
Trees for Wildlife | www.gardenorganic.org.uk Number of insects an oak supports.
How much CO2 does a tree absorb? | Viessmann CO2 absorption per tree.
Online calculator shows how trees improve air quality and reduce health costs | UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Calculator for improvements resulting from tree planting.
The value of different tree species for insects and lichens (countrysideinfo.co.uk)
A single tree can support 30 to almost 300 species of insect.
Even 1 tree adds biodiversity to in-between areas – Futurity
A single tree planted in pasture can increase the number of bird species from near 0 to 80 (Costa Rica).
Previously on HI HUB: