Crawford & Company has partnered with the Community Wood Recycling Project and NFU Mutual to donate 26 habitat boxes made from recycled wood to Bristol City Council.
The initiative aligns with Crawford’s Zero to Landfill policy, which aims to reduce waste and support community-based environmental projects.
The Community Wood Recycling Project (CWRP) is a network of social enterprises that repurpose waste wood while providing training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. Crawford’s collaboration with CWRP is also a finalist at the British Insurance Awards for 2025.
An official presentation event was held at Gores Park, Bristol. The team representing the project included Matthew Renshaw, sustainability consultant for Major and Complex Loss at Crawford; Dawn Willis, contractor performance manager at Crawford Contractor Connection; Jane Hunter, technical head for Crawford Agricultural, Rural Industries and Estates Losses; and Joel Hawkins, agent at Somerset North, NFU Mutual.
The project involved using reclaimed oak timber sourced from NFU Mutual losses to construct wildlife habitats. By repurposing this wood, the initiative prevents timber from being sent to landfill, supporting environmental efforts and providing safe spaces for local wildlife, contributing to Bristol’s biodiversity and conservation projects.
Paul Lofkin, president for the UK and Ireland at Crawford, said the collaboration with the Community Wood Recycling Project illustrates how sustainability initiatives can also deliver social benefits.
Joel Hawkins, agent at NFU Mutual North Somerset and Chew Valley, said supporting communities involves being a responsible business mindful of its environmental impact.
Crawford noted the initiative is part of its broader commitment to integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into the claims remediation process, with a focus on promoting sustainable waste management and environmental responsibility.
Another notable initiative is the tree replacement program in the UK, where Crawford commits to planting a tree for each one removed due to subsidence claims. This program, in partnership with the Woodland Trust, has resulted in the planting of approximately 1,300 trees across the UK.
Crawford also emphasises community engagement through its annual Global Day of Service, encouraging employees to volunteer in their local communities.
To support these initiatives, Crawford has established a Responsible Business Committee and Working Group, launched an ESG software data platform, and developed greenhouse gas reduction targets.
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