ICMIF member Royal London has announced a new partnership with Groundwork, a UK charity that promotes the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment.
Under the partnership, the two organisations are launching a GBP 800,000 programme to support people-led urban nature recovery initiatives across the UK and Ireland. The initiative supports Royal London’s Purpose and climate strategy, which focuses on delivering real‑world outcomes for people and the planet, not only through responsible investment and policy engagement, but also through community‑level action.
The programme will include projects focused on transforming underused urban areas into wildlife habitats, rewilding former industrial sites to revive natural processes, and restoring woodlands, ponds, and wetlands. Another key area of work will be revitalising community gardens through volunteering and skill-building activities for Royal London colleagues. Initiatives will bring communities together to plant wildflowers and trees, construct pollinator-friendly habitats, and develop practical conservation skills through hands-on volunteering activities. Royal London colleagues and customers will be able to get involved and play a key role in the success of in these activities.
“At Royal London, we believe in the power of communities to drive meaningful change, said Jo Walker, Group Director of Responsible Business at Royal London. “Our partnership with Groundwork reflects our commitment to fairness, sustainability, and hands-on action – helping people and nature thrive together.
“To have volunteers and residents work side by side to transform underused areas into vibrant habitats, develop practical skills, and create lasting benefits for people and the planet is an exciting prospect. By investing in grassroots action and supporting urban nature recovery, we’re investing in healthier, more resilient communities for the future.”
“Working together with Royal London will allow us to further empower and support local volunteers to create, enhance and steward biodiversity and nature in communities across the UK and Ireland that need it the most,” said Groundwork Chief Executive Graham Duxbury.
“Royal London’s focus on the long term for the benefit of its members, customers and their families, which includes delivering positive societal change, makes this a compelling partnership as we scale up community-powered action that restores nature, builds skills and confidence, and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations,” he said.
Royal London has also recently funded the report Creating a Future Ready Economy report from Business in the Community, which found that tackling the biggest environmental problems creates opportunities to drive economic growth in ways that build durable, shared prosperity.
