Following on from our interview with Dr Victoria Munro back in March on our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, and in celebration of Oxford BioSystems Ltd 25th anniversary, we planted 25 trees in Besselsleigh Wood, southwest of Oxford - one for each year of trading. This was coordinated by Mark Aspell, our Finance Manager, who is part of the committee of volunteers working with the Earth Trust for Besselsleigh Wood.

For World Environment Day (Friday 5th June), we caught up with Mark to find out more about this ancient woodland, how our tree planting will impact the area and why we chose to plant trees in the first place.

Tell us more about the trees Oxford BioSystems planted, and why we chose to do this as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations?

We wanted the tree species to be in keeping with the area rather than standing out. That’s why we picked UK native broadleaf varieties. All trees were locally sourced, with a mix of Cherry, Silver Birch, Oak, Hornbeam and Lime. Planting these trees will stand as a symbol of our longevity, stability and growth while demonstrating corporate social responsibility by giving back to the environment.

Can you tell us a little about your background, and how you became a nature enthusiast?

I’ve always been interested in nature. When I was a kid, I would take myself off for walks through my local woodlands - no idea what I was looking at of course! When I left school, I worked in forests for a couple of years and eventually moved into an office job. One of the ways I was able to relax outside the office was to get out into the woods, eventually this turned into teaching bushcraft. Even now, when I go into a woodland, I exhale and all the stresses and troubles fall away. I call it ‘green time’. 

Oxford BioSystems 25th anniversary tree planting has become part of the Besselsleigh Wood’s present and future; can you tell us some of the history behind this particular woodland?

It can be difficult to find detailed records of rural land use older than 400 years or so. However, we do know the woodland was referenced in the early 1300’s when the timber used to make a chair was harvested from the wood. Assuming the Oak tree in question was around 150 years old, we can guess the woodland has existed since at least the mid 1100’s. That’s some history. Today the woodland is publicly owned by Vale of White Horse District Council with stewardship by local volunteers and Earth Trust as an amenity for visitors. In spring the Bluebell display is spectacular. There is also rumour that one of the ponds within Besselsleigh Wood was formed by a German bomber coming down in the woodland during World War Two as a part of its more recent history.

What are some of the challenges you face maintaining Besselsleigh Wood, and how much has it changed since you’ve been involved?

As is always the case with a volunteer run organisation, manpower and funds are often the limiting factors. The small team of volunteers with the technical assistance of Earth Trust have been working for many years quietly improving, enhancing and monitoring the woodland and its inhabitants. Over my time involved in the woodland I have seen human traffic increase as people hear about it and scientific papers sing the benefits of being outdoors. Throughout this increase in human (and canine) traffic, the wildlife population has not dropped, largely because of the actions of the volunteers doing things like maintaining the paths so visitors can walk on the path instead of trampling the plants to avoid muddy puddles.

Oxford BioSystems is committed to sustainability, how will these trees that have been planted help the wildlife within Besselsleigh Wood, and contribute to that commitment?

The altruistic long-term investment from Oxford Biosystems in sustainability should be applauded and encouraged. Planting these trees is a small part of the philosophy Fiona and her team have. Long may it continue

How does the way you think about value and long-term sustainability in finance, compare to how you approach preserving and nurturing woodland ecosystems?

My role in Finance involves planning and projections of company efficiency and success. We manage woodlands to improve the general health and diversity.
The aim of both roles is to benefit each with robust planning, able to withstand short and longer-term challenges like the current global political situation or Ash dieback.

World Environment Day often focuses on global change, do you think local conservation efforts are under appreciated?

It can be disheartening to think of the big issues affecting our planet at the moment. People can be forgiven for dismissing the actions of one person in a woodland.
However, global change is actioned by national government, government policies are shaped by the views of voters – individuals. Those individuals are from all walks of life and locations, including a woodland.

What advice would you give to other businesses or individuals looking to support the conservation and restoration of our ancient woodlands?

Go for it! It’s easy to contact the woodland owners. They are often councils, charities or trusts. Woodlands are often underfunded and under resourced so will welcome your interest.

Besselsleigh Wood is in partnership with the Earth Trust, can our readers donate or volunteer to contribute to the maintenance of Besselsleigh Wood or any other local woodland?

Absolutely! Earth Trust is involved in several sites in the area and are always looking for volunteers and funding. Please visit the website for more details https://earthtrust.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/

And finally, in your role as Finance Manager for Oxford BioSystems and as part of the volunteer committee for Besselsleigh Wood, what message would you like to send on World Environment Day?

World Environment Day reminds us that investing in the future is the responsibility of everyone. The alternative of passing on a reduced planet to our children is not one we should accept. We can and should, all do our bit to improve our collective future.

Besselsleigh Wood is 10 hectares woodland nestled between Appleton village and Besselsleigh, southwest of Oxford. With 400 years of documented history behind it, this ancient woodland offers diverse plant and wildlife, as well as a few historical curiosities.

If you would like to visit Besselsleigh Wood, use postcode OX13 5PU on your sat nav or find using What3Words (playful.impulsive.weekday).