The naturethrive podcast

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...

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...

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 appra...

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...

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...

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...

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 sch...

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...

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 internati...

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 dr...

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 limit...

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 forwa...

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...

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 r...

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 biod...

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 sustai...

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 sust...

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 int...

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,...

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 ga...

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...

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 collaboratio...

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...

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 opportu...

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 fund...