Get in touch with us at contact@30x30.org.uk
Paving the path to 30by30
Our Year in Action 2025
Our foundational year bringing attention to the UK’s most ambitious goal for nature.
Foreword
Nicky O’Malley
CEO, 30x30 UK
First Year in Numbers
Achievements at a Glance
1. Giving 30by30 a Voice and Home in the UK
We believe one of our most important contributions has been giving the 30by30 goal a clear voice and identity. We wanted to create a dedicated space where collaboration can happen and the opportunity is taken seriously. Without this presence, the ambition risks fading into silence or being absorbed into other priorities. By creating a platform for action, and a nationwide movement for dialogue and shared purpose, we’ve ensured that 30by30 is a movement with momentum and meaning.
2. DEFRA-approved partner for 30by30
3. Mapping the Path to Recovery
“We have mapped over 36 million hectares of designated land and marine habitats across the UK - places that are either already counting towards 30by30, or could count one day with the right support.”
In 2025, we launched the 30x30 UK Map - the first publicly accessible tool specifically designed to track the reality of the 30by30 target in real-time. For too long, the story of nature in the UK has been obscured by complex data. We wanted to create a source of truth that separates "protected on paper" from "recovering in practice." By aggregating data from statutory bodies and private projects, we have created a transparent baseline for the nation. The map distinguishes between areas that are effectively managed for nature (Purple) and those that are designated but currently failing to deliver for biodiversity (Pink). The map reveals both the stark gap in our current progress and the immense potential waiting to be unlocked.
4. Groundwork: Nature Connection for Business
“Volunteering restores nature, connection and purpose.”
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In 2025, we launched Groundwork, our platform creating a single gateway to a complete service which makes nature volunteering simple, rewarding, and genuinely impactful. Whether for team-building, individuals or fulfilling social value commitments, Groundwork is our way to connect people directly to the land. A single gateway to hundreds of UK‑wide opportunities - expanding choice and local relevance. Flexible booking: unlimited individual days and bespoke team/group days at accessible prices, directly supporting the projects themselves. Built‑in impact tracking to celebrate contributions and measure progress. Volunteering delivers benefits that go far beyond the immediate project. It builds a sense of purpose, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Being with nature strengthens mental wellbeing and creates meaningful connection and community, which can improve resilience and happiness. Volunteering can foster stronger team cohesion, boost employee engagement, and reinforce company values in a tangible way. It can enhance brand reputation, support ESG commitments, and provide authentic stories to share. Turning social responsibility into a lived experience is vital. It allows people to feel part of the solution - which is why we champion volunteering.
Groundwork
5. 30x30 RESTORE Units: Funding Restoration
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Each unit = 30m² of UK restoration, managed and monitored for 12 months.
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Accessible pricing and scalable bundles to fit annual budgeting cycles and programme growth.
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Read more about the 30x30 RESTORE Units.
6. Resilience: Protecting at-risk Revenue.
“Evidence shows £3–£9 avoided damage per £1 invested in natural flood management.”
Source: Environment Agency, Working with Natural Processes – Evidence Directory (updated 2021), p. 54
Nature-based solutions protect businesses from climate and water risks. Flooding directly threatens business continuity and profitability. With 10% of UK business premises in flood plains and 27% at some risk from rivers, surface water, or coastal sources,  investment in nature-based solutions isn’t just environmentally sound, it’s financially critical. When it comes to soil loss and degradation, the economic cost is substantial. Soil degradation in England and Wales alone costs an estimated £1.2 billion annually, with 2 million hectares currently at erosion risk. Our partnership with Rebalance Earth helps organisations build Resilience while restoring ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems underpin every business model. Restoration is risk management and a route to long-term value and resilience Reduce risk from flooding, drought, and soil loss. Supports ESG compliance and stakeholder trust.
Resilience
7. Developing England’s Yellowstone
“We’re excited at the prospect to be laying the foundations for a landmark nature recovery project which could redefine what’s possible in Britain.”
We’ve been working behind the scenes on a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity with Restore. A project designed to become a model, catalyst, and rallying point for UK‑wide nature recovery at scale. It’s early, it’s exciting, and it’s built to inspire a movement. While details remain confidential during the land‑purchase phase, the vision is bold and sits at the heart of why 30x30 UK exists. A landscape capable of supporting iconic species, connected to wider habitats, a restored wilderness ultimately returned to the nation as a world-class national park-level legacy.
8. Working Together and Advocacy
In 2025, we showed up for nature, attending and speaking at over 40 events across the UK, helping to advance a nature‑positive strategy, share practical pathways to action, and grow a community committed to delivering 30by30. From major sustainability gatherings such as Blue Earth Summit, Reset Connect, Innovation Zero and Purposefest, to sector‑focused forums including the UK Business & Biodiversity Forum, TechUK’s Nature Seminar, and Conference of the Marketers. We contributed to conversations shaping the future of nature, business and policy. A standout moment was hosting our own 30x30 UK launch event at the beautiful Heal, Somerset, bringing partners, businesses and supporters together to mark the beginning of our public movement. These collective touchpoints helped build momentum for an all‑of‑society approach, reinforcing that progress toward 30by30 is possible when we learn, collaborate, and act together. Building further on our momentum, we were thrilled to partner with People, Planet, Pint, creating a new gateway to turn conversations into action for nature. Together, we began laying the groundwork for our "In Conversation with 30x30 UK", and we look forward to taking this forward in early 2026, to spark the ideas, raise awareness and collaborate on what is needed to grow the 30by30 movement. We grew our community online with engagement via LinkedIn hitting over 3,000 followers and growing (we’re looking forward to welcoming our 3030th follower!). Our ‘Monthly dose of Nature’ newsletter sign-ups continue to build a solid launchpad for rapid mobilisation. We look forward to welcoming many more friends of nature in 2026.
9. Building Trust and Representation
Strong governance underpins our mission to deliver credible, measurable progress toward 30by30. As an independent non-profit, we are committed to transparency, accountability, and inclusive decision-making.
Current structure
30x30 UK is led by our CEO and supported by a dedicated team, with oversight from our Advisory Board. This structure ensures strategic direction, financial stewardship, and alignment with our purpose.
We are proud to be guided by a diverse and highly respected Advisory Board composed of leaders in ecology, conservation, climate science, finance, policy and organisational governance. Their expertise and independent insight play a vital role in shaping our direction helping ensure that our approaches are evidence‑based, credible, and aligned with best practice across the environmental sector. Their contribution strengthens our ability to act responsibly on behalf of nature, partners and society.
Future Vision
To reflect the all-of-society nature of 30x30 UK, we are seeking funding to enable us to establish a UK-wide Council bringing together representatives from across regions, including voices for future generations including young people themselves, and advocates for nature. We believe this Council  will become a vital part of our ability to act inclusively and ensure that local perspectives from a diverse group of people shape national recovery efforts.
Our governance approach is designed to inspire confidence among partners, funders, and communities, reinforcing that every decision we make serves the long-term health of nature and society.
Final Word & Thank You
This report, and 2025, have been about translating a global target into the tangible; a map, a platform, a unit of restoration. We have built frameworks and tools, which are necessary and effective, and started a community with a collective act of belief. The 30x30 UK Map does not just visualise data; it guides and makes choices visible. In pink, it shows where we need to focus our efforts, our investment, and our care in order to turn it purple, as purple equals progress. That shift, from pink to purple, is the story we write together. Our sincere thanks go to those writing these stories with us. To our Advisory Board, for your steadfast guidance. To the businesses who have chosen to invest in UK nature through our first RESTORE Units and Groundwork days, placing a credible bet on recovery. To the conservation partners on the ground, whose expertise and labour turn plans into living landscapes. Finally, to every individual who has joined this effort, your contribution affirms that this national goal is built on local action. With gratitude, Nicky O’Malley and the 30x30 UK Team Stay wild, stay hopeful.
How your business can support 30by30
Mitigate impacts from extreme weather with nature-based solutions
Nationwide locations for volunteering driving staff & client engagement
Being on the right side of history through action for nature
RESILIENCE
GROUNDWORK
REPUTATION
See how delivering results for nature can also deliver for your business goals.
