Protection of nature

Nature gives us our business. Without a healthy ecosystem, nothing can thrive. When exploring how we could best give back to our natural world, the options seemed endless. What we recognised is that the cause had to be close to our hearts, and our customers. When people can relate to a problem, they are more inclined to help. This is why we chose to protect and regenerate nature in the UK’s National Parks.

Our new charity partner

In 2023 we reviewed our focus for the protection of nature to bring our support and understanding closer to home. After extensive research, the team voted to partner with UK charity Campaign for National Parks. Together we’ll raise funds and awareness to protect our national parks for the benefit of all.

Our National Parks

The UK has 15 National Parks, making up 10% of our land in England and Wales and 7.2% in Scotland. Home to extensive wildlife and over 86% of threatened bird species, according to studies only 5% of this land is effectively protected for nature and biodiversity. By giving a voice to nature in National Parks, changing policy and raising the profile of the people doing essential work we can improve the health of nature.

Their work…

Not only does Campaign for National Parks fight for better protection of nature in National Parks, it also seeks access to national parks for a wider group of people. Half of the country’s Open Access land is found in National Parks, but a small demographic make up the visitors. We’ll be starting by supporting CNP’s Youth Ambassadors, giving a voice to young people inspiring broader access.

We have committed to…

Raise £50,000 and activate 50,000 people to take action for nature and improve access to national parks.

 

 

 

Planting Trees close to home

As part of our protection of nature commitment, our team wanted to support a cause closer to home. As well as annual donations, we’ve also been supporting Avon Needs Trees with pro-bono marketing support, consultancy and our team have been using their volunteer days out planting trees.

In 2023 we said we would…

Develop a 5-year strategy for the role we will play in the protection of nature, and we…

  • Began our 3-year partnership with Campaign for National Parks which gives us a long-term goal, where we really feel we can make a difference
  • We’re committed to protecting nature in National Parks Launched landing pages and a donation feature on our booking form for guests

Engage with two or three academics and experts to better understand urgent needs within nature and biodiversity protection, and we…

  • Had some important conversations with people in the field. We’ll be following the lead of our new partners Campaign for National Parks and their community of experts to better understand what needs to be done for nature in National Parks. In March, they’ll be releasing a State of Nature report, which will paint a better picture of what needs to be done

Lead one campaign to raise money and awareness for the protection of nature, and we…

Donated £15,700 to protect nature:

  • £11,700 to Treesisters, funding ethical, community-led planting projects that empower women and support indigenous communities
  • £1,000 to help fund the tree cover mapping for the State of Nature report led by Campaign for National Parks
  • £2,500 for Campaign for National Parks as part of the Big Give, cracking down on mismanagement of land and rivers to create a safer, better and wilder home for animals and plants in National Parks
  • Over £500 to Avon Needs Trees. We also provided free pro-bono consultancy on several projects
  • Used our voice to raise awareness of nature through content to our guests. Read ‘Meet the man on a mission to save Lake Windermere‘ and ‘Your favourite walk might have an expiry date‘

Next year we will…

  • Lead one campaign to raise money and awareness to protect nature in National Parks
  • Sponsor the Changemaker Awards in 2023, recognising the people fighting for national parks
  • Get our team out and volunteering in National Park