Nature is becoming an increasingly important consideration for fashion and textile businesses, from understanding supply chain dependencies and managing environmental risks to making more informed decisions about sourcing, materials and production.
As part of Sustainability 101 Volume 2, UKFT has been exploring the relationship between fashion and textiles and nature through a series of webinars covering biodiversity, regenerative agriculture, deforestation, TNFD, water stewardship and textile pollution. These sessions have helped introduce key themes and highlight the practical challenges facing businesses.
Now, we’re building on this work with a dedicated UKFT Nature Working Group, bringing members together to explore these issues in greater depth and consider how they can put their learning into practice.
A working group shaped by our members
The idea for the Nature Working Group came directly from our members. The programme has therefore been developed with members’ priorities in mind, focusing on the areas they most want to understand: how to assess nature-related impacts and dependencies, identify and measure risks, use relevant tools and data, and turn insights into practical action.
We are delighted to be working with the Green Finance Institute (GFI), WWF and Biodiversify, bringing together specialist expertise to guide participants through each stage of this journey.
What will the Nature Working Group cover?
The programme comprises four sessions, moving from assessment to measurement and action.
Session 1 – Assess: Taking the First Steps on TNFD: A Deep Dive into the LEAP Integrated Assessment Process
Wednesday 25 November 2026 | 11:00–12:30 | Online | Green Finance Institute
The opening session will introduce the TNFD’s LEAP approach and help businesses understand how to begin identifying their nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities.
Session 2 – Measure – Part 1: Understanding TNFD Metrics: What Businesses Are Measuring and Realistic Starting Points
Wednesday 20 January 2027 | 11:00–12:30 | Online | Green Finance Institute
Explore the metrics businesses are using to assess nature-related issues and consider realistic starting points for developing an approach within your own organisation.
Session 3 – Measure – Part 2: From Data to Insight: Using the WWF Risk Filter Suite
Wednesday 24 March 2027 | 10:45–12:15 | Online | WWF
Discover how the WWF Risk Filter Suite can help businesses assess nature-related risks and turn data into insights that support decision-making.
Session 4 – Act: From Assessment to Action: Turning Nature Insights into Implementation
May 2027 | Date to be confirmed | In person at UKFT, London | Biodiversify
The final session will focus on translating nature-related insights into practical action, helping businesses consider how to embed nature into their strategies and activities.
Members will also have access to a dedicated Working Group portal, which will bring together learning materials and resources to support ongoing learning and help businesses apply insights from the sessions in practice.
Learn together, take action together
The value of the Nature Working Group will come not only from expert input, but also from the experiences and perspectives shared by participating businesses. Members will have the opportunity to discuss challenges, learn from one another and explore how the sessions’ insights can be applied in practice.
Businesses at all stages of their nature journey are welcome, whether they are just starting to explore the topic or already developing assessments and strategies.
Interested in taking part? Membership criteria:
The Nature Working Group will bring together member businesses committed to taking practical action on nature-related impacts, dependencies and risks across fashion and textile value chains. Unfortunately as this is industry-focused, UKFT Education Partners will not be able to take part.
We welcome businesses of all sizes and stages of progress. Membership does not require a dedicated sustainability team or advanced technical expertise. It does require a willingness to contribute, learn from others and translate discussion into action.
Representatives should:
- Have a relevant role or responsibility. Be involved in sustainability, sourcing, materials, supply chains, production, environmental management or business strategy, with the ability to influence decisions internally.
- Be ready to take action. Identify at least one relevant nature priority and commit to progressing a practical step, proportionate to the business’s size, resources and starting point.
- Have internal support. Secure sufficient backing to participate consistently, explore recommendations and take agreed actions back into the business.
- Contribute actively. Attend meetings regularly, complete reasonable preparation and share relevant experience, challenges and learning, subject to agreed confidentiality arrangements.
- Work collaboratively. Help shape practical outputs that benefit the wider membership, while respecting different levels of knowledge, capacity and progress.
- Review progress. Agree realistic objectives and provide updates on actions, barriers and support needed.
Group composition
UKFT will seek a balanced mix of business sizes, value chain roles and levels of experience. As places are limited, selection will consider readiness to act, capacity to contribute and relevance to the group’s priorities.
The guiding principle is commitment to practical progress, rather than existing expertise or business size.
If you’re interested in joining the UKFT Nature Working Group and taking part in these sessions, please express your interest by 20 November by emailing sustainability@ukft.org. We’d love to hear from you.
