Meet Mike Wadham, founder of The Big Green Internet project. Mike and his team are some of the excellent advocates that work to recover nature within Essex’s Climate Focus Area (CFA).
The Big Green Internet works on nature recovery by planting wildlife corridors and hedgerows to connect isolated ‘orphan’ woodlands together. Since the project kicked off three years ago Mike has developed over 30 relationships with landowners and farmers primarily in Tendring, Mersea and Great Maplestead. As well as planting over 15 miles of trees and hedgerows so far, Mike and his team plan to plant another six miles this winter.
Supported by Essex Forest Initiative funding from Essex County Council over the last three years, Mike and his project have been able to successfully report The Big Green Internet’s proof of concept, establish learning and get an understanding of the cost and investment required to expand the project outside of the CFA.
Mike has worked hard to successfully embed sustainable innovation into the project by using biodegradable whip guards, which help protect young trees and hedgerows from extremes of weather.
The team has also designed and created unique dibbling tools, which are used to create holes for seeds. They have also sourced over half a million litres of mulch, materials used for surface soil every winter, which is derived from garden waste collected and composted by local councils.
Being an integrated member of the community is key. Mike has also been able to provide local jobs for local people. The planting crew at The Big Green Internet consists of special educational needs students from Market Field College in Clacton-on-Sea. They currently have a pool of seven local students that are paid a full, commercial wage working to a rota.
Collaboration, innovation, community and relationships are at the heart of Mike’s business model. Mike said: “Not only has Essex County Council supported us with funding, but they have provided us with mentoring and invaluable knowledge.
“The team working as part of the CFA have a breadth of subject matter expertise, the quality of people is really amazing, and they’ve been fantastic throughout this collaboration.”
