Global law firm Hogan Lovells and The Wildlife Trusts launch strategic partnership in the UK

The Wildlife Trusts look after more than 2,300 nature reserves, covering 98,500 hectares, and operate more than 100 visitor and education centres in every part of the UK, on Alderney and the Isle of Man. There are 46 Wildlife Trusts in the UK and each is an independent charity formed by people getting together to make a positive difference to wildlife and future generations. 

The partnership will see the firm supporting The Wildlife Trusts in the UK through pro bono legal advice, fundraising and skilled volunteering, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to sustainability. A few recent examples of the firm’s support include: 

• Pro bono legal work, including extending and renewing a number of leases on the Wildlife Trusts’ nature reserves, and working closely on a rewilding project;
• Fundraising challenges undertaken by Hogan Lovells employees, with activities ranging from Wildlife Yoga to cake baking and crafts 
• Engagement activities, including webinars covering natural solutions to climate change (rewilding), lunch and learn sessions about urban bees, and participation in the 30 Days Wild challenge in June, which encouraged participants to do something in nature on every day of the month.

Susan Bright, Global Managing Partner for Diversity & Inclusion and Responsible Business, and UK Office Managing Partner, said: "The last few weeks in lockdown have shown how much people value their local green spaces and how connecting with nature can support our overall wellbeing. Our partnership with The Wildlife Trusts highlights our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We look forward to supporting The Wildlife Trusts’ mission to put nature back into recovery over the coming years."

Gill McGreevy, Birmingham Office Managing Partner, added: "We look forward to supporting the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country. In addition to the broader firmwide initiatives, we also look forward to collaborating in Birmingham and the surrounding areas to help protect local wildlife and contribute to its recovery." 

Craig Bennett, CEO of the Wildlife Trusts commented: "We’re facing twin crises – climate change and the loss of the natural world – and we know that to solve them, protecting nature is not enough. We must all do more to restore nature to a point where it once again thrives, which means 30% of our land and seas managed for wildlife. We can’t do this alone and must work together with businesses, farmers and communities to achieve more for nature.  

"That’s why we’re delighted that Hogan Lovells has selected The Wildlife Trusts as its new charity partner. Employees will be raising important funds to support nature’s recovery where they live and work around London and Birmingham, but we’re also excited at the opportunity to help them experience the fantastic wildlife that can already be found in both cities and their suburbs.  We know that many have found a renewed connection to the nature close to home in recent months and we want this to continue.  

"As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and start to rebuild the economy there’s a great opportunity to build back better.  We’ll be advocating for a green recovery, holding decision makers to account and robustly challenging decisions that we believe will accelerate the climate and ecological emergencies.  The pro-bono support of a team of experienced and highly skilled lawyers will be invaluable to us."

Delia Garratt, CEO of The Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust said: "We believe that partnerships are good for people, good for business and good for wildlife.  We are delighted about this exciting new partnership and look forward to working closely with Hogan Lovells over the next three years.  Through lunch and learn sessions we are sharing our passion for local wildlife and inspiring involvement in fundraising activities and participation in campaigns.  We need individuals, communities and businesses to come together to help us work for nature’s recovery across Birmingham and the Black Country."