Nature & biodiversity

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Cornerstone Barristers has become a recognised home for world-class expertise in environmental, nature conservation and biodiversity law. Our team is trusted across government, industry and civil society to advise on the most complex cases involving habitats, species protection, climate impacts and environmental regulation.

Our barristers appear in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court and at major public inquiries, shaping the law that governs the UK’s natural environment and the transition to a low-carbon future.

Below is a selection of our recent work, demonstrating the breadth and depth of our contribution to biodiversity, nature recovery and environmental protection.

Recent cases

  • Supreme Court: nutrient neutrality – represented environmental NGOs in a leading case on habitat protection under the post-Brexit Habitats Regulations.
  • Carbon budget delivery plan JR – acted for Friends of the Earth in the successful challenge to the government’s net zero strategy, securing key principles for environmental governance.
  • Finch litigation at the Supreme Court – acted in the groundbreaking case on whether downstream emissions from fossil fuel extraction must be assessed in EIAs.
  • Save Our Southbank – appeared in a major challenge involving heritage, urban environmental impacts and the future of a central London riverside site.
  • Balcombe fracking challenge – litigated a High Court case on oil exploration within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  • Lower Thames Crossing DCO – advising on biodiversity, landscape and habitat impacts for the UK’s largest road project.
  • West Cumbria coal mine – represented climate-focused objectors in the nationally significant inquiry into proposed coal extraction and its environmental impacts.

Speak to our team

If you are seeking experienced legal support on nature and biodiversity-related matters, we welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Call us today on 020 7242 4986 or email us on clerks@cornerstonebarristers.com.

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