Gowling WLG's Natural Capital team has advised the Port of London Authority (PLA) on its first conservation covenant, supporting the enhancement of the inter-tidal habitat along the River Thames.

The conservation covenant will enable a programme of habitat works focused on improving biodiversity across the site, including enhancements to mudflats and saltmarsh. The project is expected to support wildlife and contribute to the ecological resilience of the Thames estuary.

The initiative represents a significant step for PLA in delivering its sustainability and environmental objectives and is believed to be one of the first inter-tidal habitat projects established under the UK’s biodiversity net gain (BNG) policy.

Sustainability Partner Ben Stansfield and Principal Associate Emma Cartledge-Taylor advised on developing the conservation covenant, ensuring it aligns with requirements and best practice under BNG and supports the long-term delivery of biodiversity outcomes. They worked closely with the team at PLA – including Director of Sustainability and Net Zero Transition Grace Rawnsley, Project Manager Chris Sawyer and Technical Advisor (Ecology) Kelda Hudson.

Ben Stansfield said: "This conservation covenant demonstrates how legal frameworks can play a central role in enabling meaningful, long-term environmental improvements. It is particularly exciting to see this approach applied in an inter-tidal setting, supporting the enhancement of habitats within one of the UK’s most important and busiest waterways."

Grace Rawnsley, Director of Sustainability and Net Zero Transition, Port of London Authority said: "This is a really important step for us as we continue working to improve the environmental health of the Thames. Creating and enhancing intertidal habitats like this will make a real difference for wildlife and help strengthen the resilience of the estuary over the long term. Gowling WLG played a critical role in getting us to this point and their support and expertise helped us turn an ambitious idea into something we can deliver with confidence.”

Gowling WLG’s specialist Natural Capital team, part of its wider ESG group, has deep expertise in environmental and planning law. The team supports a diverse range of clients on BNG, natural capital and wider sustainability initiatives, helping them understand regulatory requirements while identifying opportunities to deliver positive environmental outcomes as they develop their sustainability plans.

You can find out more about the team on Gowling WLG's natural capital web page.