Locations
Fieldfisher's environmental grant-making programme, Rooting for Change, first took root in 2019, driven by the firm's commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Designed to restore local habitats and promote biodiversity across Europe and beyond, this initiative has grown from a single tree planting project into a holistic portfolio of global conservation efforts.
Reflecting on the activities of the 2024/25 period, Rooting for Change continues to be a vital expression of Fieldfisher's values.
From Pitchandikulam to a global portfolio
Rooting for Change initiative was first established as a tree planting initiative in Pitchandikulam Forest, Southern India. This initial partnership with The Converging World, a development charity leveraging renewable energy investments to support reforestation and other environmental and social projects in the UK and India, saw the planting of 6,743 trees.
Building on this foundation, Rooting for Change has evolved through a portfolio approach to grant funding totalling over £200,000 in support of grassroots programmes.
2024/25: focusing on local and global impact
During the 2024/25 period, Fieldfisher channelled its efforts through four key projects within the Rooting for Change portfolio.
These projects not only contribute to safeguarding biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and supporting local communities but also have provided valuable opportunities for Fieldfisher employees to actively participate in environmental stewardship, empowering them to be a meaningful force for positive change.
Continued commitment to Pitchandikulam forest
Fieldfisher has maintained its long-standing commitment to Pitchandikulam Forest through the Auroville Foundation, continuing its investment in a Barefoot Ecology College. Recognising the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on the Global South, Fieldfisher continues to invest in this flagship project while simultaneously growing the local impact of Rooting for Change across its European offices.
In 2024, the Pitchandikulam Forest team has grown to include a diverse range of specialists, including botanists, ornithologists, archaeologists, architects, and young research scholars studying local flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. This continuously growing collection of knowledge is shared throughout the team and forms the basis of an expanding environmental education and community impact programme.
An established Fieldfisher-funded team now leads activities for children, overseeing regular visits to both urban and rural restoration sites. These field trips offer hands-on learning experiences about Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF) native species, providing a practical understanding of the local flora and ecosystems. Students interact directly with the environment, observe native species, and learn about their ecological roles and conservation needs, fostering a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving local ecosystems.
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Subscribe nowHometree: restoring Ireland's Wild Atlantic Rainforest
A significant new partnership in 2024/25 saw Fieldfisher supporting the Irish charity Hometree in their mission to conserve the Wild Atlantic Rainforest. This vital work focuses on creating diverse and resilient habitats and restoring natural carbon sinks. Hometree collaborates closely with local farmers, providing education and encouraging sustainable planting and land regeneration practices. With Fieldfisher's support, Hometree aims to establish national parks to ensure the long-lasting protection of this internationally significant rainforest.
Fieldfisher's contribution supported Hometree's efforts in restoring Irish rainforests. Furthermore, colleagues had the opportunity to volunteer in the Wicklow woodlands, gaining firsthand experience of Hometree's afforestation activities and learning about the unique flora and fauna of Irish rainforests.
Adam Winston, a Paralegal who participated in the volunteering day, commented:
"It was fantastic to learn about Hometree's afforestation activities, the incentives which drove the deforestation of Ireland and current steps to reverse this trend. I learned about the flora and fauna of Irish rainforests from very informative and insightful representatives of Hometree. I was proud to be there to show the firm's support for this amazing cause!"
Natagora: expanding nature reserves in Belgium
Another addition to the Rooting for Change portfolio has been the partnership with Natagora, focused on protecting the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse National Park in Belgium. This project aims to expand nature reserves by implementing a range of biodiversity-enhancing measures, including planting hedgerows and orchards, digging ponds, and safeguarding local animal species.
Natagora's ambitious goal is to acquire 60 hectares of land to create new Nature Reserves or extend existing ones, with the objective of restoring and protecting natural and semi-natural habitats for species of Community interest. Complementary efforts from other local players aim to purchase an additional 40 hectares, bringing the total to 100 hectares of new nature reserves by mid-2026.
In 2024/25, Fieldfisher contributed to the purchase of almost three hectares of new nature reserve plots.
RSPB: restoring Vital Peatlands in the Peak District
The final new partnership within Rooting for Change in 2024/25 saw Fieldfisher working with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (the RSPB) to restore peatlands in the Peak District. This project is part of the RSPB’s journey to restore the landscape following centuries of mismanagement and a devastating fire in 2022. Restoring these peatlands is crucial for enhancing biodiversity and ensuring they continue to function as effective natural carbon sinks.
The Dove Stone site, where the project is focused, is of international significance due to its large blanket bog formed over the last 5,000 years. However, over just the last 200 years, significant degradation has occurred. This is a widespread issue, with 80% of the UK's peatland currently in poor condition.
To actively contribute to the restoration efforts, a team of Fieldfisher volunteers joined the RSPB in the Peak District to plant sphagnum moss in and around the peat bogs.
On the volunteering day, the Fieldfisher team planted 75 large bags of Sphagnum, totalling 1,875 plants. These will have a lasting impact on the natural landscape and its biodiversity, providing sanctuaries for various bird and amphibian species. The team also visited the specific project site where Fieldfisher's charitable donation has supported the RSPB's work, witnessing first-hand the impact of this grant, including the creation of 7,000 sphagnum plugs and 435 newly-dammed pools designed to keep the peat bogs wet and healthy.
Rachael Wild, Knowledge and Information Officer, who volunteered at Dove Stone, shared her experience:
"I was really excited to see Rooting for Change come to life, and the RSPB Dove Stone site we are supporting. I was also very keen to find out more about the science behind the peat bog conservation, in a learning-by-doing setting! Not only was it an incredible experience to get stuck in, it was also wonderful to get to know new people in Fieldfisher and RSPB community."
Looking ahead: a continued commitment to Rooting for Change
Through strategic partnerships and the active engagement of its employees, Fieldfisher is making tangible contributions to environmental conservation both locally and globally.
While celebrating the successes of the past year, the firm remains steadfast in its commitment to its Rooting for Change initiative.
