Our Natural World
Newt Conservation Partnership
We want to ensure that our natural world is restored and protected and that people benefit from that recovery.
Working with others, we will contribute to three key impact goals by 2030:
- Preserved and improved species health and habitats
- Sustainable and ethical food
- Clean and healthy freshwater
In a series of blogs, we share more about our current work to improve Our Natural World.
Our priorities
There are five priorities through which we believe we can best contribute to these goals over the next seven years.
If you would like to apply for funding under any of these priorities, please read our Guidance for Support.
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Peat
Peat is hugely important to our natural world. As well as a great habitat for wildlife, it's valuable for combating climate change and its benefits include flood prevention and purifying water.
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Space for nature
Protecting and creating more space for nature enables the restoration of damaged ecosystems and degraded landscapes. It's also important that the benefits of being close to nature is accessible to all.
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Nature friendly farming
There is huge value to nature-friendly farming with benefits not just for the recovery of wildlife but also for our health.
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Fishing in tandem with nature
A more sustainable fishing and seafood industry is important for the recovery of wildlife, their habitats and the small coastal communities who depend on it for their livelihoods.
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Freshwater
Healthy freshwater environments is critical for both people and wildlife. As a limited resource, it is vital to protect and restore freshwater environments from over-abstraction and pollution.
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Our approach
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Advisory Panel for Our Natural World
We recognise the expertise of others and are delighted to be able to call on the support of a brilliant panel of experts to help us deliver our strategy for Our Natural World.
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Our roadmap for improving our natural world – what more can we do?
To improve Our Natural World, we have developed a roadmap we have been working to. In a series of blogs, we share how we are getting on as well as our plans for the coming year.
Learn more
You might be interested in
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09 October 2025Business action on nature in the UK and guide to nature finance
We're pleased to share a new report by Will McDonald for Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, which explores how business in the UK is taking action on nature and the drivers behind it. You can also find a practical guide to the different types of nature finance and watch our webinar where we explore the findings.
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Seascapes: Restoring the UK marine environment, Webinar on 20 October
We’re excited to share a new report by Pelagos Consulting on how to scale and sustain marine recovery across the UK. Morven Robertson, Esmée’s Funding Manager, reflects on what this means for our future approach. We’ll also be hosting a webinar to discuss the findings and next steps.
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Freshwater: Mid-strategy review
We’re pleased to share a new report exploring changes since our strategy launched, progress made, challenges faced, and recommendations for Esmée and other funders. Simon Wightman, our Funding Manager Lead for Our Natural World, reflects on the findings, what’s next, and the potential impact of the Independent Water Commission’s Final Report.
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Invitation to Tender: Impact Investment deep dive on social and affordable housing in the UK
We're looking for a provider to develop a practical resource for impact investors, assessing the investment opportunity both through funds and direct investments, which align with the theme of social and affordable housing in the UK.
Read more