Nature & Biodiversity

In 2019, we formally recognised the Climate Emergency and Biodiversity Crisis and since then we have been making strides to address both our own environmental impact and by using our legal expertise to support clients that are tackling the crisis.

Our Sustainability and Responsibility Pledge, launched in 2023, dictates that we recognise the environmental impact of our activities and work, and ensures that we seek out ways to use the law which serves to minimise ecological harm and climate heating.

Our work on Butler-Sloss v Charity Commission means that charity trustees who want to prioritise sustainability over financial returns, can now be allowed to move their reserves away from investments in fossil fuels and sends a positive message to those wanting to have an investment portfolio that addresses climate change.

We influence legislation and businesses by supporting important initiatives. We supported the Better Business Act campaign by preparing a draft of the proposed legislation that will align the interests of shareholders with those of the environment. We also work with the Chancery Lane Project to help businesses incorporate climate and net zero aligned clauses into contractual drafting.

Whilst the Climate Emergency and Biodiversity Crisis will not be solved single-handedly, nor overnight, we are determined to find ways in which we can make a real difference through our work and our clients.

Examples of our work in nature and biodiversity include:

A leading landscape recovery project

We are advising a leading landscape recovery project relating to the catchment of a twenty-mile-long river. This involves twenty-seven contiguous landholders, two local authorities, the local wildlife trust, Natural England and the Environment Agency. Part of our work on the project is to establish an appropriate governance mechanism to manage all stakeholder interests. This involves developing a solution that acknowledges those interests appropriately whilst remaining in service to the core aim of improving water quality and flood alleviation and increasing biodiversity.

A renowned research institute and the UK division of a multinational foundation

We advised the client in setting up and funding a consortium-based programme that brings together experts and provides funding and mentoring to the brightest minds and best ideas working to make food and farming part of the solution to climate change. We also advised the research institute who lead the project.

A social enterprise helping communities to acquire, protect and regenerate woodlands

We are supporting this new project to develop a model which is intended to facilitate communities taking ownership and responsibility for local woodlands, through provision of a fund to enable them to acquire land as it becomes available. We have advised on the governance structure for the project and the initial investment round.

Explore

Strategic litigation – we want to help you tackle the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis

Our litigation and public & regulatory teams are focused on helping clients on their journey to create a widespread positive …
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Consider the Lilies: Giving Nature a Voice in the C Suite

Magazine articles and blogs, conference videos and podcasts, books and films: we are awash with information and ideas, making it …
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Bates Wells works with fellow B Corp Triodos to secure a loan for Heal Rewilding, a pioneering charity that takes action for the large-scale restoration of nature

At Bates Wells, we think beyond legal matters to ensure the work we’re doing helps our clients to create long-term …
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Advised emissions: Towards a climate-aware advisory ecosystem

What are advised emissions and why do they matter? ‘Financed emissions’ refers to the emissions that arise from projects funded …
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Climate emergency and real estate

Reducing workplace emissions is a vital part of the UK’s goal to achieve net zero emissions. It is obviously a …
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