Environmental consultants behind the Billion Trees Scotland reforestation campaign are seeking to raise £100,000 to help in the fight against climate change.
Kaitiaki Consulting, which is based in Edinburgh and New Zealand, is releasing 200 shares at £500 each as part of its drive for large-scale land redevelopment and rewilding in Scotland.
Its team of specialists, who want to be at the forefront of a “green recovery” to the coronavirus pandemic in Scotland includes experts from Fort William, Elgin and Nairn who have worked in projects across the north.
Earlier this year Kaitiaki said Scotland needs to plant up to one billion trees to achieve the country’s ambitious climate change goals and help the economy recover from Covid-19, emulating New Zealand’s plan to plant one billion trees by 2028.
The company has conducted a number of site visits around Scotland, including Inverness, the Cairngorms and Montrose Basin.
The Tree for Every Citizen project in Aberdeen is being used as a model for restoration across Scotland and the company believes there is much more potential for ecological restoration in the wider Aberdeen, Moray and Highlands area.
Kaitiaki matches environmental need, such as carbon reduction and offsetting, with funding partners. It then finds and develops habitats to plant trees and enhance biodiversity.
It says in addition to the government tree planting plans, the growth of new green industries and jobs will help transform rural communities.
Alex Foulkes, managing director of Kaitiaki Consulting, a former Highland Council countryside ranger, said: “This is a chance for investors to make a difference and join us in the fight to address the climate crisis and save the country’s incredible biodiversity.
“We will work with businesses, landowners, local authorities and other groups like ours to find a way to embrace the green new deal needed for the post Covid-19 recovery, so we can all play an essential part in reducing carbon emissions.
“Organisations such as councils, businesses and others are committed to reaching net zero, and we provide the strategy, expertise and on the ground management to make this happen.
“For landowners we offer a long-term stream of income generation and an opportunity to play a significant part in supporting the Scottish Government’s net zero commitment over several decades.”