ELF has been asked to intervene in a landmark Supreme Court case, to bring the voices of affected communities into the Court.
But we need your support to do it.
👉 Donate today to help fuel our case and defend our rivers: www.crowdjustice.com/case/help-de...
A new UK Supreme Court case could weaken one of the most important ways communities can legally challenge sewage pollution.
Last year, a landmark ruling confirmed that illegal wastewater discharges can be challenged through civil claims.
Now, that progress is at risk.
Their work is a powerful reminder that environmental protections only matter if they are properly upheld and enforced — and that communities and NGOs play a crucial role in holding decision-makers to account.
📖 Read the full story: elflaw.org/news/communi...
🌊 Our latest spotlight highlights the work of Sussex Wildlife Trust, who have been at the forefront of challenging decisions that put vital ecosystems at risk — including action to protect the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone, a site home to rare and protected species.
We’re starting with the community of Ceibwr Bay, Pembrokeshire, whose determined campaigning, supported by ELF, helped challenge a planning decision that threatened wildlife and a protected coastline.
Read about how ELF's work helped the community: elflaw.org/news/communi...
Our Community Spotlight shines a light on the people behind the cases: their places, their persistence, and the collective power of communities taking action for environmental justice.
🌿 Introducing: ELF Community Spotlight
We’re launching a new series to share the stories of communities who have stood up to protect their local environment — often in the face of being ignored, dismissed or overwhelmed.
We’re excited for this new chapter and all the ways Robin’s leadership will help us grow our impact, deepen our partnerships, and expand access to environmental justice for all.
📖 Read more about Robin and her appointment:
elflaw.org/news/robin-p...
💬 “I’m honoured to be joining an organisation with such a powerful legacy,” Robin shared. “At a time when environmental pressures are intensifying and protections are weakening, ELF’s work is vital.”
She joins ELF at a critical moment, as communities across the UK face mounting environmental pressures and demand for legal support continues to grow.
Robin brings over 15 years of leadership across the human rights and environmental justice sectors with a proven track record in strategy, communications, and systems change.
📢 We’re delighted to welcome our new CEO, Robin Pierro! 🌿
The Environmental Law Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Robin Pierro as our new Chief Executive Officer.
Are you concerned about or working with trees, woodlands and forests? Are you interested in testing a new Rights of Nature toolkit? There are a few spaces left at our joint event at the University of Sussex on 3rd December from 2pm to 5pm. If you would like to attend please contact tom@elflaw.org
🌿 Join us on 11 December for Intervening for the Environment!
📅 Thursday 11 December 2025
📍 London + Online
🎟️ Register here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/intervenin...
This is a space to learn, connect and empower the growing movement for environmental justice.
Let’s intervene where it matters. 🌍✨
🌊 Missed our Rights of Rivers webinar? Catch up now!
Our recent session with Matrix Chambers explored how local councils can take practical steps to support the Rights of Nature movement – with a special focus on rivers. 🌿
▶️ Watch now: vimeo.com/1134637522/a...
#RightsOfNature #RiverRights
Helen Hamilton shares how she worked to overturn planning permission for a factory farm threatening ancient woodland in Wales — showing how pro bono action can hold decision-makers accountable and protect irreplaceable habitats.
💚 Join our pro bono network: elflaw.org/get-involved...
#ProBonoWeek
Senior Associate Sabah Siddiq, from Lester Aldridge, worked with ELF and the Woodland Trust to overturn planning permission for a poultry farm expansion that threatened ancient woodland in Wales.
💚 Stand up for nature with your legal skills. Join the ELF pro-bono network: elflaw.org/get-involved...
Environmental barrister Jessica Allen reflects on her work on the Brighton Marina case, to defend the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) from harmful activities.
💚 Join our network of pro bono lawyers and make your skills count for the planet: elflaw.org/get-involved...
#ProBonoWeek
Living beside the River Arun, Matthew Cripps witnessed wildlife disturbance caused by unregulated river use and worked with ELF and the University of Sussex Law Clinic to explore legal solutions and community protection tools.
💚 Join our pro-bono network:
elflaw.org/get-involved...
For Pro Bono Week 2025, we’re celebrating the inspiring people behind ELF’s network of environmental justice champions.
Dr. Joanna Smallwood supported a community working to protect the River Arun.
💚 Learn more about how you can volunteer your legal skills: elflaw.org/get-involved...
#ProBonoWeek
💧 How can councils act for their rivers?
Our new Rights of Rivers guide offers step-by-step advice for councils and communities to do the same.
📘 Explore the guide:
👉 www.hoganlovellsbase.com/_uploads/dow...
#RightsofRivers #LocalCouncils #EnvironmentalJustice #NatureRights #Rivers
“What if we saw rivers as kin rather than possessions?”
Across the UK, communities are reframing their relationship with rivers — seeing them not as property, but as living systems with the right to flow, to regenerate, and to thrive.
📘 www.hoganlovellsbase.com/_uploads/dow...
#RightsofRivers
2024 saw some of the lowest butterfly numbers since UK records began.
ELF has signed the Bristol Declaration to shape the Big Insect Rescue Plan — an evidence-based roadmap for recovery.
🌼 Add your voice today: butterfly-conservation.org/big-insect-r...
#BigInsectRescuePlan #BristolDeclaration
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday at the 'Symposium for the practical application of the River Ouse Charter' held at Marine Workshops, Newhaven.
We're extremely grateful to be work collaboratively and with shared responsibly to help our waterways to live, thrive and evolve.
Insects across the UK are in crisis — and the numbers are alarming.
Together, we can build the Big Insect Rescue Plan — informed by public voices, science, and community action.
👉 Have your say: butterfly-conservation.org/big-insect-r...
#BristolDeclaration #BigInsectRescuePlan #TogetherForInsects
🌊 WEBINAR: Rights of Rivers – How Councils Can Take Action
Friday 7 November 2025 | 12:30–13:30 | Zoom
📅 Register now: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
“I am the river and the river is me.” With rights for rivers come our responsibilities — to restore, protect and let them thrive. 💧🌱 Read the full blog by ELF Co-Director Emma Montlake
#RightsOfNature #RiverRights #NatureRights #EnvironmentalJustice
elflaw.org/news/from-su...
🌊From Sussex to councils across England, river rights are no longer niche — they’re flowing into the mainstream. Just two years after Lewes District Council’s historic motion on the River Ouse, more than a dozen councils have followed, exploring charters, personhood and rights for their rivers.
🌊Do rivers and whales really have rights?
ELF Co-Director Emma Montlake shares insights in this thought-provoking Financial Times, exploring what it truly means to give nature a voice in law.
Read more: www.ft.com/content/d8ed...
#RightsofNature #EnvironmentalJustice #RiverRights #LegalPersonhood
Read how local communities and legal experts are pushing boundaries and challenging how we relate to nature — one river at a time.
📖 Read the full article: issuu.com/rsgspubs/doc...
#RightsofNature #RiverRights #EnvironmentalJustice #LoveOurOuse #LegalPersonhood #EnvironmentalLaw #RightsOfRivers
