Brentford launches the club’s first-ever nature strategy | OneFootball

In a commitment to taking active steps to promote environmental sustainability, Brentford has launched its first Nature Strategy.

Called Connected by Our Nature, the strategy outlines how the club plans to create a positive impact on biodiversity to support the club and its community.

As part of this work, Brentford becomes one of two Premier League clubs to sign up for the Sports for Nature Framework (S4N). An initiative created by multiple organisations including the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the United Nations Environment Programme, S4N aims to deliver transformative action for nature across sports, by 2030 and beyond.

Connected by Our Nature outlines the club’s work until 2030, focusing on enhancing nature on Brentford’s sites, including Gtech Community Stadium, the local area and nature in wider decision making. Nature is one of the club’s five pillars of work in sustainability along with management & reporting, climate, circularity and engagement. The strategy was created with Greengage, a consultancy committed to building a greener future.

James Beale, Brentford's head of sustainability and community, said: “We are so proud to launch Brentford’s first-ever nature strategy. The sad reality is that nature and biodiversity are in decline, from bees and plants to wider ecosystems. It is something we cannot ignore.

“As a club at the heart of our community, we have a responsibility to take action to protect and restore natural habitats. The benefits are far-reaching, from supporting physical and mental wellbeing to helping tackle climate change.

“This strategy provides a clear foundation for how we aim to protect and enhance nature at the club, while supporting our community to do the same. With the expertise of Sport for Nature and Kew Gardens, we have strong support to help turn our ambition into action.”

Professor Philip Stevenson, professor of plant chemistry of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, who sits on the club’s Sustainability Advisory Group said: “Our collaboration with the Bees, including my involvement on the club’s Sustainability Advisory Group, reflects the value of bringing world-class science, community, and sport together to inspire action.

“Brentford Football Club can help to lead by example - demonstrating how local institutions can make a meaningful difference for nature while inspiring the communities they serve.”

James Hardcastle, director, Protected and Conserved Area, from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, said: “Brentford FC is increasingly treating nature like team performance: setting clear targets, tracking results, and extending influence beyond the stadium into supply chains and among supporters.

“In doing so, the club is an innovator and leader, demonstrating that protecting nature is really part of the game itself.”

Connected by Our Nature builds on Brentford’s work to date in nature and biodiversity, which has included creating the Gtech Community Garden and Magnolia Garden for fans and those in the local area.

Last year, first-team players Ethan Pinnock and Mikkel Damsgaard joined Hounslow Council and students from the Brentford School for Girls to plant 14 apple and pear trees in Robin Grove Park.

Read Connected by Our Nature.