Explore every episode of the podcast The naturethrive podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 37: Making it Easy to Comply with Biodiversity Net Gain with Jack Sherborn Hoare, Founder of ReVerte | 11 Sep 2026 | 00:46:48 | |
On this episode host Jonathan Withey speaks with Jack Sherborn Hoare, founder of RevVerte, a platform where developers list biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements and habitat banks submit quotes in one place. Jack shares his farming and land management background, how he moved from regenerative agriculture into BNG, and why Revert aims to build market infrastructure rather than act as a broker, combining an online marketplace with human support and exploring an assurance scheme. The conversation covers BNG market growth and challenges, including LPA inconsistency, the mitigation hierarchy, on-site vs off-site delivery, spatial risk multipliers, and risks of double counting in voluntary nature markets. Jack also shares early pricing insights, citing an average transacted unit price of about £21,300, with variability by habitat and location. | |||
| Episode 36: Cities are Living Ecosystems with Tom Butterworth, Fellow, Director and Nature Lead at Arup | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:40:39 | |
On this episode Jonathan has a conversation with Tom Butterworth, Fellow Director and Nature Lead at Arup, at Arup’s Goodge Street office. Tom shares his career path from studying ecology and volunteering at the Natural History Museum to working on nature reserves, conservation coordination, Natural England, and consultancy, including biodiversity net gain and natural capital. The conversation focuses on cities as living ecosystems and why urban design must account for water, species movement, air and climate, highlighting urban heat island impacts, flooding risks, and the multiple benefits of green infrastructure and sustainable urban drainage. They discuss equity of access to green space, growing demand for ecology roles, the need for diversity of views, and examples of nature engagement, ending with Tom’s first, best, and worst experiences in nature. | |||
| Episode 35: Why Nature Restoration is about People with Bruce Howard, Director of the Ecosystems Knowledge Network | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:49:43 | |
On this episode host Jonathan Withey takes a walk across Port Meadow in Oxford with Bruce Howard, head of the Ecosystems Knowledge Network (EKN), discussing Bruce’s shift from mining and pollution management to nature restoration and knowledge sharing. They explain EKN’s origins in the UK Government’s 2011 white paper, its transition to an independent charity in 2015, and its UK-wide membership of around 4,000 spanning environment professionals and other sectors. The conversation covers why language matters when discussing “nature” versus “environment,” how EKN facilitates collaboration through events, webinars, communications, and signposting, and why business is increasingly investing in nature recovery, including examples involving Aviva, Network Rail, and peatland finance. Bruce also shares first, best, and worst experiences in nature, including time in Australia, the Amazon, and Greenland. Jonathan announces a short pause in episodes while traveling in Canada. | |||
| Episode 34: Nature is Critical Infrastructure with Lesley Wilson, Policy & Engagement Lead on Biodiversity and Natural Capital at ISEP | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:48:54 | |
In this episode host Jonathan Withey speaks with Lesley Wilson, policy and engagement lead at ISEP (formerly IEMA), about business, biodiversity, and natural capital. They discuss ISEP’s role as a global membership body, its biodiversity and natural capital network, and how member insights inform policy and consultations. Lesley explains IPBES as a science-policy platform similar to the IPCC, how its assessments inform the Convention on Biological Diversity, and why the Manchester plenary and side events were notable, including IPBES’s first business-and-biodiversity assessment. They explore ISEP’s paper “Nature is Critical Infrastructure,” linking natural capital to UK GDP and planning, and cover how companies can measure nature impacts using tools like TNFD and other frameworks, along with personal reflections on experiences in nature. | |||
| Episode 33: How to Integrate Nature into Decision Making that Delivers Better Outcomes for All with Ella Moseley, Director of Ecology at Pegasus Group | 07 May 2026 | 00:47:10 | |
Jonathan Withey welcomes listeners to episode 33 featuring a conversation with Ella Moseley, Director of Ecology at Pegasus Group. Ella describes her path into ecology through a physical geography degree in the UK and Australia, the value of gaining construction-side experience, and how Pegasus brought ecology in-house to complete a multidisciplinary offer and support clients from early land appraisals through post-consent delivery. They discuss biodiversity net gain (BNG) as a way to communicate value, guide development viability, and support placemaking, alongside ecosystem services examples such as natural flood management, hedgerows for carbon and biodiversity, and re-naturalising chalk streams. Ella shares first, worst, and best nature experiences, including childhood lizard-watching, handling habitat damage incidents, and releasing a rehabilitated tamandua in Guatemala. | |||
| Episode 32: All Roads Lead to Nature Recovery with Julia Baker, Global Submarket Lead for Biodiversity and Nature at Mott MacDonald | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:40:08 | |
Jonathan is joined in central London by Julia Baker of Mott MacDonald to discuss how nature services connect biodiversity, climate resilience, carbon, and social wellbeing, arguing that nature recovery is a solution society and the economy need. The conversation focuses on biodiversity net gain (BNG), especially for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs), including the government’s announcement that mandatory BNG for NSIPs will go live on 2 November 2026 and planned interim publications such as biodiversity gain statements, an updated metric user guide, and additional guidance. They explore mitigation hierarchy, stakeholder engagement, local nature recovery strategies, on-site versus off-site delivery, funding and corporate frameworks like TNFD, and Julia shares formative childhood and UK woodland experiences in nature. | |||
| Episode 31: From Creator to Rater of Biodiversity Net Gain with David Hill CBE, Founder of Foundation for Nature | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:56:47 | |
Jonathan Withey hosts a conversation with David Hill CBE, described as a key architect of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), discussing its origin from David’s experience in environmental impact assessment, his push from biodiversity offsetting to mandated BNG, and why voluntary adoption failed. David argues onsite BNG is ineffective and advocates professional, audited offsite habitat banks, noting BNG costs about 0.6% of gross development value and warning that exemptions, environmental delivery plans, and a levy-based Nature Restoration Fund could undermine private investment and market stability. He outlines his new venture, Foundation for Nature, a ratings agency for nature restoration projects using pillars of ecological integrity, financial security, governance, and community benefits. The episode also covers career advice, policy context, and David’s best and worst nature experiences, including concern over declining curlew populations. | |||
| Episode 30: The Green Thread - Connecting the Dots Between Hard Hats and Habitats with Laurence Cummins, Sustainability Manager at Wates Group | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:42:50 | |
On this episode Jonathan Withey chats with Laurence Cummins, Sustainability Manager at Wates Group, who describes his path from a biology degree and applied research role into leading the nature strand of Wates’ environmental strategy. They discuss drivers behind Wates’ nature work, including the Nature Based Neighbourhoods programme and research with More in Common showing cross-political support for green spaces. Laurence outlines nature tech uses such as high-resolution satellite imagery and the need for a “green thread” of accessible project information to avoid biodiversity outcomes being lost through complex delivery chains, then they close with Laurence’s early nature memories and standout experiences, including seeing dolphins in Cornwall. | |||
| Episode 29: Enabling a Regenerative Food System that Supports Nature Recovery with Joseph Gridley, CEO & Founder of the Soil Association Exchange | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:38:05 | |
In this episode host Jonathan speaks with Joseph Gridley, CEO and founder of Soil Association Exchange, a for-profit arm distinct from the Soil Association charity, which helps companies and about 2,200 UK farms (around 4.5% of UK agricultural land) measure and improve environmental impacts through finance, advice, and simplified access to public and private funding options like SFI and other schemes. Gridley explains the business value for partners—supply chain resilience, credible field-level data for reporting, and stronger storytelling—and shares first, worst, and best nature experiences. | |||
| Episode 28: From Conservation to Restoration with Peter Dorans, Director of Business Development at Plantlife | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:38:00 | |
On this episode Jonathan Withey hosts Peter Dorans, Business Development Director at the charity Plantlife. Peter shares his unconventional career path into the NGO environment sector, including roles in the civil service, New Zealand’s Ministry for the Environment, 15 years at The Wildlife Trusts, and moving to Plantlife to build commercial engagement in nature restoration. Plantlife was founded by botanists to address the lack of attention on plants and fungi and focuses on species-rich grasslands and the UK’s rare temperate rainforest, working mainly through partnerships rather than a large reserve estate. Peter explains Plantlife’s role as a Defra-designated responsible body for biodiversity net gain via conservation covenants, adding legal assurance and long-term monitoring to restoration. They discuss workplace nature, wellbeing benefits, and Peter’s best and worst nature experiences. | |||
| Episode 27: How to Measurably Improve Nature and Ecosystem Services via Biodiversity Net Gain with Nick White, Principle Advisor of Net Gain at Natural England | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:40:08 | |
In this episode Jonathan interviews Nick White, Principal Adviser for Net Gain at Natural England, about his career path into biodiversity work and his 14-year involvement in developing biodiversity net gain (BNG). Nick explains how Brexit created a political window to help get BNG onto the national agenda and ultimately enshrined into law, and discusses BNG’s global influence, including international uptake of the metric. They explore what natural capital means, why habitats are used as a practical proxy for biodiversity, and how environmental net gain seeks to capture wider ecosystem benefits beyond wildlife value. The conversation also covers the importance of numbers for business decision-making, the need to ensure long-term on-the-ground outcomes, and Nick’s first, best, and worst experiences in nature. | |||
| Episode 26: Beyond the Pipes - Making Space for Nature with Angus Wells, Biodiversity Manager at Anglian Water | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:36:15 | |
On this episode Jonathan frames the conversation as a focus on Anglia Water’s work for nature recovery and biodiversity, while acknowledging wider water industry challenges around drinking water, sewage treatment, and infrastructure. Angus explains Anglia Water’s geographic coverage (from the Humber Estuary to the Thames Estuary and inland to Northamptonshire) and discusses work across the UK’s driest region, including river restoration, slowing flows, habitat creation and some wetland creation as part of catchment management, alongside future-focused initiatives like desalination plants and new reservoirs. Angus shares his career path from studying geography and management at the University of Leeds into practical woodland management, then environmental land management at the 11,000-hectare Auburn Wise estate, before joining Anglia Water in April. The episode explores land sharing vs land sparing, including agroforestry projects integrating nature corridors within arable farming and the role of agri-environment schemes and emerging biodiversity net gain markets as income streams. Angus outlines key drivers for Anglia Water’s biodiversity work, including the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) within AMP8 (2025–2030) and the new Biodiversity Performance Commitment requiring measurable habitat unit uplift using the biodiversity metric on a four-year cycle (2025 baseline to 2029 reassessment), with penalties for non-delivery. He also notes Anglia Water’s obligations as a significant landholder managing many SSSIs—about 99% by area in favourable condition—while continuing to improve remaining sites. Angus highlights a project at Grafham Water near Huntingdon, linking fragmented ancient woodlands with woodland creation and grassland along reservoir shores to improve connectivity and resilience for woodland species. In the recurring segment, Angus shares early memories growing up on a rural farm, his worst experience of seeing habitat reverted to arable despite efforts to influence decisions, and best experiences including delivering a 40–50 hectare agroforestry project in Norfolk and cycling from east Norfolk to southwest Wales to experience landscapes at a slower pace. Jonathan closes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing positive work within water companies and previews a future episode with Nick White of Natural England. | |||
| Episode 25: Creating Places for People and Nature with Peter Rogers CBE, Co-founder of Lipton Rogers LLP | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:39:46 | |
On this episode Jonathan has a conversation with Peter Rogers, co-founder of Lipton Rogers and former co-founder of Stanhope. They discuss Rogers’ long career in commercial and residential development, including insights into 22 Bishopsgate (“22B”), designed as a “vertical village” with shared amenities such as restaurants, bars, gyms, art in the lobby, and community-focused spaces to offset limited ground-level public realm. Rogers shares how he got into construction through early exposure to his grandfather’s development work in Italy, his civil engineering background, and his belief that people should find work they enjoy. The conversation covers industry challenges such as increasing bureaucracy, planning complexity, rising costs, slow innovation, and the impact of legislation like the Building Safety Act, as well as the role of AI and robotics. Rogers explains his long-standing focus on creating places for people with landscaping and greenery, critiques greenwashing (including green walls and token rooftop measures), and argues for investing in larger-scale, properly maintained parks and biodiversity projects rather than small on-building interventions. They also discuss biodiversity net gain and the value of practical, local, measurable interventions, drawing parallels with approaches like insulating homes for carbon benefits. In the recurring nature segment, Rogers recounts early alpine experiences skiing and staying in remote huts, a safari in the Kalahari Desert, and a “worst” experience at sea involving increasingly severe Mediterranean storms, which he links to warming sea temperatures and global warming. | |||
| Episode 24: Nature Positive, What's all that About? With Edward Pollard, Founder of Positive by Nature | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:55:32 | |
In this episode Jonathan dives into a captivating conversation with Edward Pollard, founder of Positive by Nature. Edward shares insights on sustainability, nature recovery, and biodiversity, drawing from his extensive experience in the field. Learn about the interconnectedness of climate and nature, the importance of business resilience, and the exciting projects driving nature conservation forward. Edward also shares memorable personal stories from his career, highlighting the crucial role of both local action and global cooperation in preserving our natural world. This episode provides a rich exploration of the many facets of nature recovery, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about the environment. | |||
| Episode 23: Allies in Making Nature Restoration Profitable for All with Connell Grogan, Co-founder of Nature Impact | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:49:16 | |
In this episode host Jonathan sits down with Connell Grogan, co-founder of Nature Impact, to discuss the significance of biodiversity net gain policy, the creation of offsite habitat banks, and how an entrepreneurial spirit can drive nature recovery in the UK. They delve into the policy's impact, the importance of offsite versus onsite biodiversity enhancements, and innovative approaches like the upcoming nature credit offerings. Connell shares insights from his career, the journey of Nature Impact, and personal stories highlighting the profound connection with nature. Tune in for a deep dive into biodiversity, policy, and entrepreneurial efforts to restore the natural world. | |||
| Episode 22: Making Commercial Sense of Embracing Organic and Biodynamic Principles with Nick Wenman, Owner of Albury Vineyard | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:35:02 | |
In this episode host Jonathan speaks with Nick Wenman, owner of Albury Vineyard in the Surrey Hills. Nick shares his transition from the IT world to cultivating vines for certified organic wine production in the UK, while adopting biodynamic principles. The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of organic viticulture, the commercial benefits of sustainability, and the importance of reconnecting with nature. Nick also discusses the significance of introducing educational and nature-friendly practices into his vineyard operations. This episode offers valuable insights into sustainable farming and the commercial viability of eco-friendly practices. Tune in to learn more about Nick's passion for nature, his vineyard's success, and the role of sustainability in modern farming. | |||
| Episode 21: The Business Case for Nature with Helen Nyul (former) Head of Biodiversity at Barrat Redrow | 31 Oct 2025 | 00:43:44 | |
In this episode Jonathan has a conversation with Helen Nyul, former Head of Biodiversity at Barratt Redrow, who recently transitioned to a new role at the nature tech startup, Verna. Helen shares her career journey, the impact of nature-rich housing developments, and the essential role of biodiversity in business and the economy. We discuss successful projects like Kingsbrook and the value of biodiversity action plans. Don't miss the engaging stories and practical insights on how both developers and individuals can reconnect with nature.
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| Episode 20: Designing Nature into the Built Environment with Philippa Birch-Wood (formerly) of Chetwoods | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:37:01 | |
In this episode Jonathan has a conversation with Philippa Birch-Wood, the former Executive Director for ESG at Chetwoods and now Head of Climate Action at the UK Green Building Council. They delve into the critical role of architecture in enhancing connections with nature and promoting sustainability. Learn about Chatwood's Thrive Design approach and Phillipa's career journey into sustainability, her insightful experiences in nature, and the importance of integrating biophilic designs in modern buildings. | |||
| Episode 19: How the Built Environment is Driving Nature Markets in the UK, with Simon Kennedy of Wates Wildscape | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:37:21 | |
In this episode Jonathan engages in an insightful conversation with Simon Kennedy, Associate Director of Wates Wild Scape. They discuss the formation and mission of Wates Wild Scape by the Wates Group, an over-a-century-old construction and development company in the UK. The episode covers key themes such as natural capitalism, nature markets, biodiversity net gain, nutrient neutrality, and sustainable alternative natural green spaces (SANGs). Simon shares his career journey, the importance of monetising nature-based solutions, and how these initiatives contribute to creating sustainable futures. The episode also delves into the broader impacts of development on nature and the exciting projects Wates Wild Scape is undertaking to address these issues. Join us for an engaging discussion that highlights the intersection of capitalism, policy, and environmental sustainability. | |||
| Episode 18: Marrying the Heart with the Head and Hands to Enable Positive Change, with Louisa Harris | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:47:18 | |
In this episode Jonathan talks to Louisa Harris, founder of Curiously Liminal and a coach for change-makers in sustainability. Louisa shares her unique career journey in sustainability, from her beginnings influenced by climate activism to her roles in organisations like Grant Thornton. She discusses the current state and transitions within sustainability and ESG, emphasising the importance of integrating emotional connections with data-driven decisions. Louisa also highlights her current projects and the significant role of nature in sustainability. This episode is particularly insightful for those interested in making meaningful changes in the sustainability sector. | |||
| Episode 17: Rewilding, what's it all about? with Alister Scott of the Global Rewilding Alliance | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:49:47 | |
In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Alister, the executive director of the Global Rewilding Alliance, to explore his path to leadership in the rewilding movement. Alister shares his background, from growing up in rural Ireland to his long career in environmental advocacy and coaching. They discuss the core principles of rewilding, the impact of reintroducing animals on ecological restoration, and the global reach and influence of the Global Rewilding Alliance. Alistair also shares personal anecdotes about his early experiences in nature, challenges faced, and the transformative moments that shaped his connection to the environment. This engaging conversation delves deep into the science, challenges, and inspiring success stories of rewilding efforts around the world. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:33 Alister's Journey to the Global Rewilding Alliance 01:27 Early Influences and Epiphanies 04:02 Instinctive Rewilding and Career Path 06:42 Defining Rewilding 13:12 Global Rewilding Efforts and Success Stories 18:46 Rewilding's Impact on Employment and Communities 20:59 The Innate Connection to Nature 22:31 Maintaining Positive Momentum in Environmental Communication 22:47 The Power of Positive Storytelling in Rewilding 25:02 The Impact of News Consumption on Mental Health 27:59 Introduction to the Global Rewilding Alliance 30:17 The Three Pillars of the Global Rewilding Alliance 35:21 First, Best, and Worst Experiences in Nature 43:26 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections | |||
| Episode 16: Connecting with Nature through our Gardens with George Hillier | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:48:09 | |
In this episode we delve into the fascinating world of gardens and tree plantations with George Hillier, Chair of the Hillier Garden Centres Group. This episode highlights the history of Hillier Garden Centres, founded in 1864, and their innovative approach to growing mature and semi-mature trees. George shares insights on the importance of gardening for connecting with nature, the evolution of garden spaces, and their commitment to climate resilience. Additionally, the 'Uncover Recover' project, which aims to revert hard-standing spaces back to nature, is discussed, along with the significance of holding a Royal Warrant. Join us for an enriching conversation as George also recounts his personal 'first, best, and worst' experiences in nature. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 15 - The Allerton Project Head of Sustainable Farming Joe Stanley | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:42:13 | |
This episode is a conversation with Joe Stanley, a prominent figure in the UK agricultural community. Joe shares insights from his experience as a farmer and influencer in the agricultural space. We discuss the significant challenges faced by farmers today, including climate change, fair compensation, and sustainable practices. The episode also delves into the importance of water, soil health, and the economic pressures on the farming industry. Joe provides an in-depth look at the Allerton Project, a working farm demonstrating sustainable farming practices. Tune in for a rich conversation on building resilient farming businesses and the critical role of farmers in our society. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 14 - Bellway Homes Group Head of Biodiversity Neil Beamsley | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:37:31 | |
This episode discuss the evolving role of biodiversity in the UK housing sector. This insightful episode explores the impact of policy changes, such as biodiversity net gain (BNG), on the UK's largest housebuilder, Bellway Homes. Neil shares his expertise on integrating biodiversity into housing projects, the challenges and opportunities faced by developers, and the importance of collaboration between the commercial and conservation communities. Tune in for a compelling conversation that highlights how structured and deliverable policies can make a tangible difference to the environment. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 13 - Planet Mark CEO Steve Malkin | 03 Jul 2025 | 00:34:57 | |
This episode welcomes Steve Malkin, founder and CEO of Planet Mark, a leading sustainability and net-zero certification company. Having spent six years with Planet Mark, Jonathan brings an insider's perspective on their mission to help organizations measure and reduce their carbon footprints and transition to net zero. This episode delves into how Planet Mark makes climate action accessible and commercially viable for businesses. They discuss the critical role of a well-planned and costed net-zero strategy and how Planet Mark fosters a supportive community for companies committed to climate action. The conversation also explores the vital connection between climate and nature, highlighting nature's role in providing solutions and making sustainability more tangible. Steve Malkin shares his inspiring vision for Planet Mark, which he founded on the belief that businesses can lead the charge toward a low and net-zero future. His positive and business-focused approach to sustainability offers a refreshing contrast to traditional "gloom and doom" narratives. The podcast also touches on how Planet Mark incorporates nature into its certification, creating direct connections with organizations like the Eden Project and Cool Earth. The episode was recorded outdoors in sunny Kent, immersing listeners in the sounds of nature, including birdsong, enhancing the podcast's theme. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 12 - Strata Homes Planning Director Claire Linley and Sustainability Manager Elsie Hargate | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:41:50 | |
This episode discusses biodiversity net gain (BNG) with Claire Linley, Planning Director, and Elsie Hargate, Sustainability Manager at Strata Homes, a leading UK housebuilder. They explore Strata's commitment to sustainability, evidenced by their "homes that make the heart beat faster" ethos and their proactive nature and biodiversity policy. The conversation delves into the opportunities and challenges of BNG, particularly the complexities of its implementation. Claire and Elsie discuss the differing impacts on brownfield versus greenfield sites and the inconsistencies in application by local authorities. They highlight the benefits of BNG in creating a more level playing field for developers committed to environmental considerations, while also pointing out the ongoing "teething problems" with its delivery mechanisms. A key topic is the "on-site versus off-site" debate regarding BNG credits. Claire explains the rationale for off-site solutions when they offer greater ecological benefit, despite current regulations sometimes disincentivizing this. Elsie emphasizes the importance of both approaches, especially when on-site efforts can create valuable wildlife corridors. They also touch on the long-term management of BNG areas and how Strata Homes engages residents through initiatives like hedgehog highway leaflets to foster a connection with nature on their developments. Jonathan also shares a quote from "Wild Service: Why Nature Needs Us" by Nick Hayes and John Moses, emphasizing nature's role in human well-being and community. He also gives a shout-out to Spotify Premium for its growing collection of nature-themed audiobooks. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 11 - Bemari Founder Marina Bradford | 02 Jun 2025 | 00:51:59 | |
This episode of the naturethrive Podcast we dive into the evolving landscape of sustainability and nature reporting with our insightful guest, Marina Bradford. Founder of the consultancy Bemari, Marina brings a wealth of experience in helping organisations understand and address their environmental impact. We explore whether the increasing focus on nature by businesses is a passing trend or a fundamental shift, and how it interlinks with climate action. Marina shares her fascinating journey into this field, from her background in audit and risk management to establishing her own consultancies. We discuss the changing cultural attitudes towards sustainability across different global regions and within corporate environments, examining how these perspectives influence action. We also unpack the evolution of language in the sustainability space, from CSR to ESG and beyond, and demystify the crucial concept of double materiality. Finally, we delve into why nature and biodiversity are gaining prominence and how we can make these vital conversations more accessible to a wider audience. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 10 - CEO of BNGx Andrew Hicks | 15 May 2025 | 00:33:43 | |
This episode features Andrew, CEO of BNGX, explaining how their digital platform simplifies Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for developers and landowners. Discover how BNG policy aims to reverse nature decline and how BNGX streamlines the process of buying and selling registered offsite biodiversity units, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and trust in this emerging market. Andrew also shares a nostalgic early memory of nature. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 9 - HiveTracks Head of Growth - Benjamin Tomkins | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:35:36 | |
This episode of the naturethrive Podcast features a fascinating conversation with Benjamin Tompkins from Hive Tracks, a nature tech company revolutionising biodiversity data collection. They delve into the meaning of "ground truth" data and how Hive Tracks makes it easy for anyone, from beekeepers to community members, to collect real-time, continuous information on plant and pollinator species. Benjamin shares his journey into the nature tech space and explains Hive Tracks' innovative approach, including their app that gamifies data collection and their work with industries like development and agriculture to utilise this data for biodiversity net gain and genuine nature recovery, ultimately aiming to create a scalable and impactful understanding of our biodiversity and how to help it to recover. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 8 - CEO of Native Rob Cobbold | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:31:15 | |
Native partners with indigenous guardians to protect the planet, offering individuals and companies the opportunity to protect or restore nature one "native square" (three meters squared) at a time. They provide a map to visualize protected squares and a dashboard to track the impact on carbon, biodiversity, and the community. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 7 - Wrangcombe Farm Land Manager Nigel Riddle | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:28:00 | |
In this episode with speak to Nigel Riddle of Wrangcombe Farm in Somerset. The conversation delves into the diverse habitats at Wrangcombe Farm, which includes open heathland (a SSSI site), improved open grassland, steep-sided wooded streams called "goyles," marshy and dry fields, and even an area with alkaline soil from a former scramble track. Nigel emphasises the existing biodiversity of the site, describing it as "half wilded." He highlights the lack of public footpaths, contributing to a feeling of wilderness and increased wildlife, including nightjars and curlews on the top heathland. They also discuss naturethrive's first Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) project across the fields to the east of the site. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 6 - head of natural capital at Knepp Estate Molly Biddell | 27 Feb 2025 | 00:31:32 | |
In this episode we speak to Molly Biddell of Knepp Estate in Sussex. Molly discusses Knepp's journey from a struggling conventional farm to a thriving nature restoration site, driven by the principles of rewilding and the introduction of free-roaming herbivores. She explains her role in exploring the ecosystem services provided by the land and developing business cases for nature restoration. The conversation covers the differences between rewilding and managed habitat restoration, the potential of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) as a policy to fund nature recovery, and the challenges and opportunities facing farmers in a changing agricultural landscape. Molly also shares personal anecdotes about her connection to nature, including childhood tree-climbing adventures and a challenging but ultimately rewarding cycling experience. The episode highlights the importance of making nature accessible, the need to integrate nature restoration into economic models, and the hopeful potential for symbiotic relationships between humans and the natural world. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 5 - Farmers Tom Church & Hazel Towler | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:29:43 | |
In this episode we speak to Tom Church and Hazel Towler of Scald End Farm in Bedfordshire. They discuss the challenges and opportunities facing farmers today, particularly regarding nature restoration and diversification. Tom and Hazel share their personal stories of getting into farming and the farm's transition from arable to organic livestock farming. They explain the process and benefits of converting to pasture, including increased biodiversity and the return of farmland birds. They also delve into the complexities of environmental subsidy schemes, highlighting their importance for farm resilience while also expressing concerns about their long-term security. The conversation explores the couple's entrepreneurial approach to diversifying income streams, including rental cottages and a farm shop (now transitioning to commercial let), emphasizing the need for financial stability in the face of fluctuating market prices and disease outbreaks. They discuss the farming community's varying attitudes towards diversification and environmental schemes, acknowledging the skepticism of some while recognizing the growing openness of younger generations. The challenges of navigating land options and the impact of national infrastructure projects on farmland are also addressed. The episode touches on the controversial topic of reintroducing apex predators like lynx and wolves, with Tom expressing a nuanced view, acknowledging potential benefits while also considering the risks to livestock and other wildlife. The discussion also covers the reintroduction of beavers and the potential ecological and societal impacts. Finally, Tom and Hazel share their "first, best, worst" nature experiences. Hazel recounts childhood memories of playing in a bluebell wood, while Tom describes a cherished recent memory of a campfire gathering with his son and other children in a small woodland (a "spinny"). Hazel's "worst" experience highlights the challenges of managing wet fields, particularly their impact on ground-nesting birds, and the delicate balance of nature. The podcast concludes with a reflection on the importance of farmers as key stakeholders in nature restoration and the mission to make such efforts profitable for all. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 4 - Planet Mark Director Andrew Griffiths | 05 Feb 2025 | 00:24:41 | |
In this episode we speak to Andrew Griffiths, Director of Policy and Partnerships at Planetmark, a sustainability and net-zero certification scheme. The discussion revolves around the intrinsic connection between nature and climate, emphasizing that solving one crisis is impossible without addressing the other. Griffiths explains Planetmark's role in helping organizations measure and reduce carbon emissions, highlighting the challenges of decarbonization and the importance of policy and partnerships in driving sustainability. We explore the parallels between climate action and nature conservation, stressing that biodiversity collapse poses an existential threat alongside climate change. Andrew shares examples of how ecosystems, like the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone, demonstrate the interconnectedness of nature. He also discusses the importance of protecting natural carbon sinks, such as oceans and rainforests, and the risks of reaching tipping points that could lead to irreversible damage. The episode concludes with Andrew sharing personal experiences in nature, including a memorable sunset in New Zealand and the sobering impact of witnessing coral bleaching and plastic pollution during a dive. These stories underscore the fragility of natural systems and the urgent need for conservation efforts. Overall, the episode blends policy insights, environmental science, and personal anecdotes to highlight the critical interplay between climate action and nature preservation. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 3 - environmental lawyer Richard Broadbent | 22 Jan 2025 | 00:30:53 | |
In this episode we speak with Richard, an environmental lawyer at Freeths LLP, about environmental legislation and in particular Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in the UK. Richard discusses the legal framework of BNG, its potential to drive nature recovery, and the challenges and opportunities associated with its implementation. He also shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with nature, from childhood memories in the Malaysian rainforest to a challenging hiking expedition. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 2 - UK Green Building Council Advisor Simon Matthews | 22 Jan 2025 | 00:32:10 | |
In this episode we speak with Simon, an Advisor at the UK Green Building Council, about Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and the role of nature in the built environment. Simon discusses his work on decarbonizing buildings, the challenges and opportunities of BNG, and shares his personal experiences with nature, from childhood memories to awe-inspiring encounters in the Norwegian wilderness. | |||
| naturethrive podcast episode 1 - Farmer Alec Clouting | 20 Dec 2024 | 00:40:58 | |
Farmers are key stakeholders in the nature restoration space. | |||