In 2023, LGT Wealth Management supported a range of sustainability projects, from supporting wetlands creation to tackling e-waste and building capacity in the biodynamic wool supply network in the UK. We partner with organisations that share our vision for a more sustainable future and provide robust reporting.
Last year, we entered into a partnership with the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) a conservation charity dedicated to creating and protecting wetland birds and their habitats, and advocating for wetlands and ecological issues worldwide. The charity works to create and maintain thousands of hectares of wetland habitat at its nature reserves. The WWT’s conservation projects help fight the decline of wildlife and the natural landscape and strengthen the link between wetlands, wildlife and people, in the UK and beyond.
“As we explored the role of ecosystems in supporting biodiversity and mitigating climate change, it became evident that wetlands are profoundly undervalued. These vital habitats support diverse bird and wildlife populations, enhance flood resilience and sequester carbon 40 times faster than temperate forests. Collaborating with the WWT, which has sites in London and across the UK, to restore natural wetlands and prioritise blue carbon initiatives was an obvious choice," commented Siobhan Archer, Global Stewardship Lead at LGT Wealth Management on the decision to partner with WWT.
“If rainforests are the lungs of the planet, then wetlands are the lifeblood.”1
Our partnership with the WWT focuses on the Blue Recovery Fund, in which they have set a major ambition to create 100,000 hectares of new and restored wetlands in the UK.
The first phase of this is the Roadmap project, helping to define where these wetlands are best placed to provide the biggest benefits to society. In 2023, the team at the WWT used mapping to highlight the areas where large-scale wetland-creation could be delivered to maximise the benefits in terms of four Blue Recovery themes: urban wellbeing, carbon storage, flood protection and water quality.
Additionally, by working with environmental economists, the WWT has undertaken natural capital accounting to demonstrate the value that 100,000 hectares of wetland could bring to society. They are currently estimating GBP 18 billion of benefits.
The WWT is currently working on a project in Bridgwater, Somerset, alongside the local community to restore and re-wet an area of low-lying farmland. In doing so, this natural floodplain will help protect the town from flooding (an increasing concern in recent years) and welcome nature back into the community.
As part of our partnership with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, last week thirteen LGT colleagues spent a day volunteering at the WWT London Wetland Centre. The group carried out important maintenance work, clearing vegetation and trimming shrubbery helping to completely revolutionise an overgrown flower bed to make it more attractive for visitors and a bed to attract pollinators and honeybees. Throughout the day they also learnt more about the centre and the vital work that the WWT does.
“It was really rewarding to volunteer at the WWT and to have a hands-on opportunity to support the work that it does. Not only was it fascinating to learn more about the WWT’s vital conservation work, but it was great to explore the centre over the course of the day. The reserve is a haven for wildlife and being there highlighted the importance of protecting these landscapes and the different species they support. It was also lovely to spend a day with colleagues outside the office and to get out in the fresh air – you would hardly believe that you’re still in London!” Charlotte Hargreaves, Marketing Assistant, spoke of her volunteering experience.
Ruben Brooke, Equity Analyst, experienced the power of WWT’s vision to support and protect endangered species: “We had a brilliant day at the London Wetland Centre learning about the important work of WWT in preserving biodiversity, while rolling our sleeves up to clear overgrown hedges near the entrance area. A highlight for me was seeing a common crane, which went extinct in Britain 400 year ago but which the WWT is helping to reintroduce.”
Abi Stovold, Senior Philanthropy Manager at the WWT, commented on the partnership: “WWT is excited to partner with LGT Wealth Management. Their generous contribution to WWT’s Blue Recovery Fund will help us to achieve our ambition of creating and restoring 100,000 hectares of wetlands in the UK for the benefit of people and nature. Wetlands teem with biodiversity, whilst providing essential protection to people against the impacts of the climate crisis, floods, droughts and pollution. We can’t achieve our ambitions alone. Partnerships like this are greatly valued and are essential to reversing the decline of wetlands.”
[1] WWT
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