Suffolk Wildlife Trust is calling on local businesses to unite for a wilder, more resilient future and show their support for the local environment by signing the brand new Suffolk Business Pledge for Nature.
With nature in decline, climate challenges mounting, and a global deadline to reclaim 30% of land and sea for nature’s recovery by 2030, urgency has never been greater. Businesses across Suffolk have a unique opportunity to lead the way, and to directly support local action which also contributes to global change.
For over 60 years, Suffolk Wildlife Trust has spearheaded wildlife conservation, landscape recovery, and environmental/nature education. The charity manages 50 nature reserves covering more than 7,100 acres, providing vital habitats for wildlife while offering free, accessible spaces where communities can reconnect with nature. But the Trust’s mission stretches beyond these reserves—it is also at the forefront of restoring landscapes, rebuilding ecosystems, and shaping a sustainable future for all.
By signing the Suffolk Business Pledge for Nature and committing to fundraising or making a donation annually for the next three years, local businesses can directly support this work – typically every £250 raised could manage 1-acre of precious reserve for an entire year, contributing to biodiversity in our region.
Wilding Suffolk: Landscape-scale recovery
Whilst the notion of Suffolk Wildlife Trust being a local charity may evoke the impression of small-scale projects; the charity is very much at the forefront of change at landscape scale.
One recent, standout project is Martlesham Wilds, an ambitious 289 acre wilding initiative along the banks of the River Deben. Here, nature is reclaiming former farmland, creating a diverse mosaic of wetlands and grasslands that already benefits species like curlew, lapwing, and redshank.
Further north, the Waveney and Little Ouse Landscape Recovery (WaLOR) Project spanning 4,077 acres (the equivalent of almost 2,300 football pitches) is bringing life back to wetlands, river corridors, and floodplains. These natural landscapes play a crucial role in storing carbon, reducing flood risks, and improving water quality—a powerful demonstration of how nature and climate resilience go hand in hand. Dr Dan Wade, WaLOR Project Manager (Suffolk Wildlife Trust), when featured by BBC notably described the project as: “The creation of a fen to act as a ‘giant sponge’ in order to help restore a flood-prone area to its natural landscape.”
Measurable conservation impact
Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s commitment to conservation and restoration is delivering tangible results, visible in every corner of the county, with examples including:
- Trimley Marshes (210 acres), a blank canvas in 1990, now holds international designations and provides sanctuary for species like avocets, redshank, lapwing, and ringed plover.
- Redgrave & Lopham Fen, England’s largest valley fen at 432 acres, boasts more than 270 plant species and remains one of the last strongholds of the rare fen raft spider.
- Bradfield Woods, a historic 173-acre coppice dating back to the 13th century, is a haven for butterfly enthusiasts, with 24 recorded species fluttering through its woodland.
- Worlingham Marshes, Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s newest reserve of 381 acres, has already recorded ten bat species, thriving water vole populations, and a 620% increase in wintering snipe—a testament to nature’s resurgence.
Meanwhile, Suffolk Wildlife Trust has recently joined forces with neighbouring organisations in Norfolk and Essex to monitor water vole populations, aiding the survival of this endangered species.
We need more!
However, with the clock ticking and just five years to 2030, we all must do more. Nature continues to be under threat, with most of our plants and wildlife declining and 1 in 10 under threat of extinction. Holding the line is not enough and collaborative efforts at regional scale are required to protect what we have and to bring back more. We need to tackle this shared problem collectively – only then will we achieve the results at the scale and pace required.
Why businesses should stand with nature
All business recognise that supporting nature is not just the right thing to do—it is fast becoming an expectation. Consumers, investors, and supply chains increasingly demand visible environmental commitments. The Suffolk Business Pledge for Nature offers companies an opportunity to highlight their dedication to nature’s recovery.
But this goes beyond reputational benefits. It is also about protecting the future economy. Recent figures from the Environment Agency, reported by the BBC, warn that one in four UK properties could be at risk of flooding by 2050. In Suffolk alone, 6-8% of homes and businesses face medium to high flood risk. Investing in climate resilience today is not just responsible—it is essential.
How you can help
By signing the Suffolk Business Pledge for Nature, companies commit to fundraising/making an annually donation for nature conservation and restoration (but at a level to suit them).
Partnership Manager, Julie Long explains: “We hope everyone involved will proudly display the ‘We’ve Pledged’ pin—a symbol of their commitment to Suffolk’s future – helping us further the movement and bring more businesses on board.”
She continues: “Many businesses, particularly those without sustainability departments, struggle to know where to begin. The pledge is an accessible way to contribute, allowing companies to support tangible conservation efforts at a level that suits their ambitions and budget.”
Suffolk Wildlife Trust remains proudly independent but works alongside other regional trusts across the UK, as part of ‘The Wildlife Trusts’, forming a national movement for nature’s recovery.
Sir David Attenborough, President Emeritus of The Wildlife Trusts, affirms: “Suffolk Wildlife Trust combines local action with national impact, as part of a global vision for nature’s recovery…”
This is not just an initiative—it is a movement. And Suffolk businesses have the chance to lead it.
Sign the Pledge today, stand with Suffolk Wildlife Trust and play your part in shaping a wilder future—before the 2030 deadline.
For other ways your business can support Suffolk Wildlife Trust visit Corporate Partnerships | Suffolk Wildlife Trust
