We are proud to announce that our Natural Capital team has been named 'Natural Resources & Environment Team of the Year' at the prestigious British Legal Awards 2025.

The British Legal Awards celebrate the standout achievements of law firms, in‑house teams, chambers and individuals who are driving the legal profession forward. The 'Natural Resources & Environment Team of the Year' award recognises firms that have delivered a standout UK case demonstrating legal expertise and innovation, project management excellence, teamwork and clear client value.

Our Natural Capital team earned this recognition for advising The Lifescape Project on creating a new template conservation covenant agreement to support its work as one of the first designated responsible bodies under the Environment Act 2021. The template agreement supports the charity's aims to help create high-integrity biodiverse habitats under the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regime that will deliver long-term benefits for everyone. Our team also advised on the agreement's first use with nature restoration company Nattergal – helping protect 225 hectares of land at High Fen Wildland in Norfolk, creating new habitats and wetlands to support biodiversity.

Sustainability Partner Ben Stansfield and Principal Associate Emma Cartledge‑Taylor worked closely with The Lifescape Project to bring the unique template agreement to life. The outcome brings a positive impact through helping secure the protection of sites such as High Fen Wildland and sets a high standard for biodiversity units across the country. It also highlights how legal expertise can help deliver practical solutions for nature restoration, supporting BNG and creating measurable benefits for communities and the environment.

Ben Stansfield commented: "We are delighted to be recognised as Natural Resources & Environment Team of the Year. The conservation covenant for The Lifescape Project is a pioneering agreement that sets a new benchmark for biodiversity protection, and we are proud of our part in supporting their goal to restore and protect wild landscapes and the wider impact BNG is making on our environment."

Stephanie Smith, Managing Lawyer at The Lifescape Project, added: "We are thrilled about this recognition for the Natural Capital team at Gowling WLG. This is a thoroughly deserved award. The support from Ben, Emma and the team has been instrumental in establishing us as a responsible body in the BNG market. It is fantastic that their work developing our conservation covenant, and continued support during transactions, means we are able to help place covenants over high-integrity, biodiverse habitats that can significantly contribute to the UK's nature restoration targets."

Alongside this award win, Gowling WLG was also named a finalist in three additional categories at the British Legal Awards: Energy Team of the Year, Property Team of the Year, and Tech & Telecoms Team of the Year. This recognition celebrates the strength of our sector‑focused teams and the impact of their work across the legal landscape.

An evening to remember, the firm was also among the finalists for the Responsible Business: Outstanding Firm – DEI award at the Chambers UK Awards 2025 (Winter Edition). These awards celebrate the contribution and achievements of those leading the way in the UK legal sector.

Gowling WLG's specialist Natural Capital team, part of its wider ESG group, has deep expertise in environmental and planning law. Immersed in the latest developments around sustainability and biodiversity, the team supports clients in understanding responsibilities, managing risks and pursuing long‑term environmental goals. For further information, please visit our ESG services page.