Woodberry Wetlands opens first permanent nature site under Emirates-backed UK wildlife initiative
Six-year multi-partner programme boosts access to green spaces across England
LONDON – Supported by Emirates and The All England Lawn Tennis Club, London Wildlife Trust has opened a new natural play area at Woodberry Wetlands under the Championing Nature programme.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club is the organisation behind The Championships, Wimbledon, and is formally known as the body managing the tournament rather than the tournament name itself.
The new site is the first permanent installation delivered through the long-term initiative across four Wildlife Trusts in England. It aims to help children and families in urban areas reconnect with nature through structured outdoor learning.
Nature access
Through the Championing Nature initiative, Emirates and the All England Lawn Tennis Club are partnering with four Wildlife Trusts – London Wildlife Trust, Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, and Northumberland Wildlife Trust.
The six-year, multi-million-pound programme is designed to expand access to green spaces in urban communities and support educational projects focused on wildlife and biodiversity. It targets underserved areas, encouraging children and young people to develop a stronger connection with the natural environment through hands-on experiences.
The initiative has already engaged more than 20,000 people and delivered over 750 activity sessions across England. At Woodberry Wetlands, the new play area offers interactive outdoor learning designed to build curiosity about local ecosystems and wildlife. The opening was led by naturalist and presenter Steve Backshall, who welcomed children from Holmleigh Primary School to explore the space during its first educational session.
Jabr Al-Azeeby, divisional vice president of Emirates UK, said the project demonstrates how partnerships can create meaningful local impact through global sponsorship networks. He added that the initiative reflects the airline’s “Force for Good” programme, which supports community-focused projects across its international sponsorship portfolio, strengthening access to nature for young people in urban environments.