BMW UK and UK National Parks has revealed the impact of its three year Recharge in Nature partnership on the electric vehicle (EV) charging network, nature restoration and wellbeing.
Delivered across all fifteen National Parks, the partnership has seen BMW UK invest a total of £1 million in biodiversity and community projects, as well as funding the installation of 135 new EV charging sockets across the fifteen National Parks.
To date, eight National Parks now have chargers live, with installations in the remaining seven National Parks set to be completed by November.
With chargers now installed in many of the National Parks including the Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, Dartmoor, New Forest and Bannau Brycheiniog, BMW has worked closely with UK National Parks to ensure that these charging points benefit both local people and visitors, by being placed in high traffic areas or areas where infrastructure is lacking.
The partnership has also funded 15 critical biodiversity and community projects developed and delivered by the National Parks expert teams, ensuring BMW’s support was received exactly where needed most.
Examples include Eryri National Park, Llyn Tegid – the largest natural freshwater lake in Wales – which is now better protected against pollution. Through engagement with local farmers, Recharge in Nature supported a range of natural flood management initiatives, and planting more than 20,000 new trees.
Young people have also been at the heart of a project funded in the North York Moors National Park, where they have improved their wellbeing, employability and potential to become tomorrow’s conservationists through 3,000 hours of participatory activity.
In addition, funding for a new Youth Engagement Ranger in Dartmoor National Park has helped give 1,329 young people, many of whom might otherwise not have opportunities to visit the National Park, a chance to experience and explore the great outdoors.
While the Recharge in Nature project reaches its third year, the final phase includes new charger installations in Northumberland and South Downs National Park together with the Broads who are also expanding EV access further with boat charging posts. Along with the EV charger programme, projects being delivered in the third year of the partnership include the creation and restoration of 35 dew ponds in the Cairngorms, a hay meadow project in the Lake District and am inclusive transport project in Bannau Brycheinog.
Emily Barrow, Brand Communication Manager at BMW UK said:
“Recharge in Nature is a shining example of how partnerships with business can drive meaningful progress. Through investment in electric infrastructure and nature restoration, we’ve created a lasting legacy that supports not just the environment, but also the communities that care for and enjoy these incredible spaces.”
Catherine Hawkins, Chair of National Parks Partnerships said:
“This partnership exemplifies what can be achieved when organisations unite around shared values. BMW UK’s support has not only helped dramatically increase access to EV charging across our National Parks, but also enriched biodiversity and empowered communities.
“Its success marks a powerful model for future partnerships that protect nature while enabling responsible access for all.”
Image courtesy of BMW UK
