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New Partnership Between BMW UK And New Forest Enhances Eco-Friendly Travel
A new twin electric vehicle (EV) charging point has been installed in Jubilee Field Car Park, Sway, within the New Forest National Park. This initiative aims to facilitate zero-emission journeys for both locals and tourists. BMW UK is also contributing by funding two apprentice rangers and supporting around 80 young people through its Youth Action Programme.
The collaboration between the New Forest National Park Authority and BMW UK marks a significant milestone with the launch of this new EV charging point. This installation is part of the broader Recharge in Nature partnership, which aims to enhance the EV charging network across all 15 UK National Parks. By 2025, the partnership plans to have 135 charge points installed.
Currently, over 100 million visits are made to the UK's National Parks each year, with 93% of these trips taken by car. Improving the EV recharging network is crucial for providing better access to these natural landscapes while reducing emissions and noise pollution. The new twin charging point in Sway will enable more EV drivers to explore the park's ancient woodlands, heathlands, and coastlines.
BMW UK's support extends beyond enhancing the rural charging network. The company is funding nature and community impact projects within every National Park. In the New Forest, this includes appointing two apprentice rangers who will gain practical experience in environmental conservation. These rangers have already undergone training in first aid and operating chainsaws, brush cutters, and strimmers.
The apprentice rangers are currently working with various local ranger teams to learn about their essential tasks. They also have the opportunity to join the New Forest's Early Green Careers Network for additional mentoring. This initiative aims to equip them with skills necessary for future conservation efforts.
Youth Engagement in Nature
BMW UK is also backing the New Forest National Park’s Youth Action Programme by funding three-month nature conservation projects for up to 10 young people at a time, aged between 11 and 30 years. The programme seeks to connect these young individuals more deeply with nature and inspire them to protect it.
The Youth Action Programme includes a mix of activities such as nature protection volunteering, educational talks, cycling, mindfulness exercises, bushcraft skills training, and discussions on supporting nature and combating climate change in daily life. This holistic approach aims to foster a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation among young people.
Commitment to Sustainability
The BMW Group has set ambitious CO2 reduction targets across its vehicle lifecycle. By 2030, it aims to halve CO2 emissions per vehicle from 2019 levels. The company was one of the first automotive brands to join the Business Ambition for 1.5°C as part of the Paris Climate Agreement, committing to full climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest.
Graham Biggs, BMW UK Corporate Communications Director, stated: "We are proud to be leading the charge towards more sustainable tourism in the New Forest." He emphasised that with EVs now making up over 18% of new car sales in the UK, a robust EV charging infrastructure is essential for decarbonising travel and tourism around national beauty spots.
Investment in Local Communities
The partnership with BMW UK also brings investment into local communities through initiatives like appointing two new ranger apprentices and connecting young people with nature. David Bence, Chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, expressed excitement about these developments: "Young people are the future of conservation but they won’t protect what they don’t know and love."
Bence highlighted that encouraging lower emission journey options is crucial for protecting rare habitats and species within the park from climate change impacts. The collaboration aims not only at enhancing EV infrastructure but also at fostering a deeper connection between local communities and their natural surroundings.
The BMW Group continues its commitment to sustainability by integrating efficient resource management into its strategic direction from supply chain through production stages. With brands like BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad under its umbrella, it remains a global leader in premium automobile manufacturing while prioritising environmental responsibility.
For more information about BMW Group UK’s initiatives or their Recharge in Nature partnership with UK National Parks visit bmw.co.uk/nationalparks.
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