Rights on paper are important. But they only mean something if people can understand them, access advice and use them in practice.

This matters for environmental justice too. Communities facing decisions that could affect their health, homes and local environment may have to navigate complex law, technical evidence and strict deadlines.

And geography is only part of the problem. The Legal Services Board’s survey of 17,688 people found that 32% of those experiencing a legal need had an unmet need. People on lower household incomes and those living in the most deprived areas were more likely to experience an unmet legal need.

Justice shouldn’t depend on your postcode. But for millions of people, access to legal help increasingly does. The Law Society’s latest mapping of England and Wales shows the scale of what it calls “legal aid deserts”.

Our Professional Pro Bono Membership Network is at the heart of everything we do Each year, more than 150 barristers, solicitors and technical experts across the UK volunteer through ELF, providing up to £1 million of free legal and technical support to communities facing environmental challenges.

Thank you! Because of your support, the Supreme Court will hear the real-world impacts sewage pollution has on communities, rivers, and wildlife across the UK. #ProtectOurRivers #EnvironmentalJustice #SewagePollution #UKSupremeCourt

Just 2 days left to support ELF’s intervention in a crucial Supreme Court case on sewage pollution. This case could shape how sewage pollution is challenged across the UK for years to come.

In 2023, the Environment Agency found that sewage was discharged into England’s rivers 1,200 times a day. What kind of future does that create for our communities and waterways? A new Supreme Court case could shape how water companies are held accountable for that pollution..

ELF is stepping in to stop that from happening, but we need your help. Your donation will help fund the research, time and legal support needed for ELF to intervene. Back the case: www.crowdjustice.com/case/help-de... #RiverProtection #EnvironmentalLaw #UKSupremeCourt

This Supreme Court case could shape how water companies are held accountable for sewage pollution across the UK. If the Court sides with the water companies, it could: • Limit legal accountability • Reduce protections for rivers • Make it harder for communities to act

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.

🌊 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.

🌿 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 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

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...

🌊 Does a river have rights? From the River Ouse in Sussex to the Ganges in India and the Whanganui in New Zealand, a global movement is growing to recognise rivers as legal persons – with rights to flow, thrive, and be protected.

🌼 Let it grow, let it grow! This May, we’re giving the lawnmower a break and letting nature do its thing. By skipping mowing for just one month, we’re creating a safe haven for bees, butterflies, and other important pollinators. Every little flower helps! #NoMowMay #BeeFriendly #WildYardWins

Happy Birthday, Sir David Attenborough! Today, we celebrate not just the years of a remarkable life, but the profound impact you've had on our world.