National Endangered Species Day: how wienerberger is protecting endangered species through practical action

Every year, National Endangered Species Day highlights the growing pressures facing wildlife, from habitat loss and climate change to pollution and land‑use change, and the urgent need to turn awareness into action. 

At wienerberger UK & Ireland, protecting nature is part of how we operate on the ground. Across our sites, we are taking practical steps to understand, protect and enhance local ecosystems, helping threatened species recover while supporting our ambition to build for what’s next in a more sustainable way. 

Why biodiversity protection matters for businesses and local ecosystems

Biodiversity underpins healthy ecosystems, resilient landscapes and thriving communities. For businesses with land and operational footprints, there is an opportunity, and a responsibility, to manage sites in ways that support nature while delivering long‑term value.

Turning biodiversity awareness into practical action on our sites

Effective biodiversity protection starts with understanding what’s already there. Across our land, biodiversity action is rooted in evidence and long‑term site management, with a strong focus on site‑based ecological surveying.

These surveys help our teams to build a clear picture of the wildlife and habitats around them, enabling us to:

• Understand which species are present and where
• Identify risks and opportunities for conservation
• Track changes over time and measure progress

This insight supports informed decision‑making that protects vulnerable species while balancing operational needs, an essential part of creating long‑term value for nature and for our business.

Creating and enhancing habitats for protected UK species

Surveying is paired with targeted habitat creation, designed to support species with specific ecological requirements.

Recent examples at wienerberger include:

• Ponds at our Hartlebury and Waresley sites, designed to support great crested newts, a species protected under UK law
• A reptile garden at Ewhurst, providing shelter and basking areas for reptiles

These interventions strengthen local ecosystems and help support species that are under pressure nationally, demonstrating how carefully planned site management can make a tangible difference.

How our Biodiversity Ambassadors are driving local conservation action

At the heart of this work is our growing network of Biodiversity Ambassadors, colleagues from across the business who volunteer their time to champion nature on site and embed biodiversity awareness into everyday operations.

Their role includes:

• Carrying out surveys for birds, bees and butterflies
• Recording and submitting data to local records centres
• Raising awareness of biodiversity on site
• Supporting practical habitat improvements

By contributing real‑world data, our ambassadors help ensure that local action feeds into wider conservation understanding and supports informed environmental decision‑making beyond our sites.

“Protecting endangered species starts with understanding what’s on our sites. The work our Biodiversity Ambassadors are doing through surveys and habitat improvements is helping us build that picture and take the right actions to support species that need it most.” 
Maisie McKenzie, Biodiversity Manager, wienerberger UK & Ireland

Working in partnership to support national conservation efforts

Alongside our site‑based activity, we also support external conservation initiatives, including the Chester Zoo invertebrate project. Invertebrates play a critical role in healthy ecosystems, supporting pollination, soil health and food chains, yet many species are among the fastest declining in the UK.

Through this collaboration, we are helping to:

• Improve understanding of invertebrate populations
• Enhance habitat conditions across our sites
• Contribute to wider, national conservation efforts

This reflects our belief that protecting biodiversity requires collective action, working in partnership beyond our own boundaries.

Building for what’s next: strengthening biodiversity for the future

Protecting endangered species starts with understanding them, and with organisations, industries and communities taking action where they can make the greatest difference. By combining data, practical action and collaboration, we’re helping to strengthen nature across our sites and support a more resilient future for the environments we depend on.