The naturethrive podcast

Jonathan Withey

The naturethrive podcast is here to inspire and connect you with nature, while exploring practical solutions to the environmental and planetary challenges we face.

Through engaging conversations with expert guests, we’ll delve into the issues affecting our world in a way that’s accessible and uplifting, not overwhelming. We’ll highlight real stories and experiences that bring hope and optimism, showcasing a wide range of current and future solutions—from large-scale initiatives to everyday actions—that can help ease eco-anxiety and drive positive change.

Our guests include farmers, organisations, and solution providers who are making a difference in nature restoration, sharing their journeys and the impactful work they’re doing.

Each episode will also feature three recurring questions that explore the first, best, worst, and weirdest moments in nature, giving you an authentic and personal glimpse into the experiences that shape our connection with the natural world.

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20 episodes
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Avg 43 min
English

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S1 · E36
August 13 · 40 min
Episode 36: Cities are Living Ecosystems with Tom Butterworth, Fellow, Director and Nature Lead at Arup
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. 00:00 Welcome Back and Road Trip 01:30 Meet Tom at Arup 03:43 Tom’s Career Journey 05:44 Nature Careers Then and Now 10:18 Cities as Ecosystems 15:25 Heat Islands and Cooling 16:49 Spongy Cities and Flooding 24:17 Funding and Stakeholder Buy In 31:34 First Best Worst in Nature 35:22 Awe Forests and Living Cities 39:07 Wrap Up Key Takeaways Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E35
June 16 · 49 min
Episode 35: Why Nature Restoration is about People with Bruce Howard, Director of the Ecosystems Knowledge Network
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. 00:00 Welcome and Episode Setup 03:49 Meet Bruce at Port Meadow 05:21 Bruce Career Turning Point 08:18 Nature Versus Environment 12:11 What EKN Does 15:28 Membership and Collaboration Tools 21:14 Business Steps Into Nature 26:40 Partnerships and People First 31:13 First Best Worst Nature Stories 41:39 Nature Finance and Carbon Codes 47:37 Wrap Up and Podcast Pause Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E34
June 1 · 48 min
Episode 34: Nature is Critical Infrastructure with Lesley Wilson, Policy & Engagement Lead on Biodiversity and Natural Capital at ISEP
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. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:32 Host Updates on BNG 02:49 Episode Topics Preview 04:32 Meet Lesley at ISEP 05:50 Lesley Career Journey 08:02 ISEP History and Growth 09:22 Why Membership Matters 12:28 Sustainability Roles Debate 13:49 What Is IPBES 19:18 How IPBES Links to CBD 20:44 Business Engagement at IPBES 22:47 Nature as Critical Infrastructure 25:55 Defining Natural Capital 26:50 Ecosystem Services Explained 27:30 Biodiversity Hidden Benefits 29:22 Climate Threats to Supply 31:08 Nature as Business Risk 32:12 Local Nature Action Wins 34:04 Measuring Biodiversity Impacts 36:03 Metrics Not Magic Numbers 38:47 Tools and Frameworks TNFD 40:52 First Best Worst Nature Stories 46:41 Closing Reflections and 30x30 Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E33
May 7 · 47 min
Episode 33: How to Integrate Nature into Decision Making that Delivers Better Outcomes for All with Ella Moseley, Director of Ecology at Pegasus Group
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. 00:00 Welcome and Episode Setup 01:46 Attenborough and Spring Notes 03:04 Meet Ella in Soho 03:27 Ella’s Ecology Career Path 07:13 Field Trips and Early Nature 08:50 Winning Hearts on Site 11:35 What Is a Smooth Snake 12:26 Why Pegasus Went In-House 16:09 BNG as Business Language 18:55 Ecosystem Services in Action 23:32 Delivering BNG at Pegasus 30:32 BNG for Placemaking 35:34 First Nature Memories 37:48 Worst Moments and Resilience 42:00 Best Moments in the Wild 45:31 Wrap-Up and Takeaways Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E32
April 22 · 40 min
Episode 32: All Roads Lead to Nature Recovery with Julia Baker, Global Submarket Lead for Biodiversity and Nature at Mott MacDonald
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. 00:00 Spring Garden Update 01:42 Bird Flu Reminder 02:03 Meet Julia Baker 04:06 Nature Services Big Picture 08:56 Biodiversity as a Market 13:27 TNFD and Funding Nature 18:39 BNG and NSIPs Explained 22:53 Making BNG Work Locally 28:11 Future of BNG Policy 31:16 Onsite vs Offsite Debate 33:13 First Nature Memories 38:45 Closing Thoughts Outro Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E31
April 6 · 56 min
Episode 31: From Creator to Rater of Biodiversity Net Gain with David Hill CBE, Founder of Foundation for Nature
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. 00:00 Podcast Welcome and Context 02:10 Finding Hope in Nature 03:13 Meet David Hill and Episode Preview 05:20 Career Beginnings in Ecology 07:38 Breaking Into the Industry Today 08:52 Skills Volunteering and Higher Study 13:27 The Origin of Biodiversity Net Gain 18:43 Politics and the Economics of Nature 22:34 How to Improve BNG Policy 23:35 No Exemptions and Real Costs 24:53 Why Environmental Delivery Plans Worry Him 28:08 Levy Risks and Nature Restoration Fund 28:27 Policy Scares Off Investors 30:37 Why The Levy Fails 32:13 Foundation For Nature Explained 35:18 Corporate Biodiversity Reporting 38:46 Ratings Pillars And Scoring 42:24 Onsite Versus Offsite BNG 45:42 First Nature Memories 47:50 Best Wildlife Encounters 49:37 Curlew Decline And Solutions 52:41 Rewilding And Shifting Baselines 55:41 Wrap Up And Reflections Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E30
March 23 · 42 min
Episode 30: The Green Thread - Connecting the Dots Between Hard Hats and Habitats with Laurence Cummins, Sustainability Manager at Wates Group
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. 00:00 Podcast Welcome Update 01:07 BNG Market Momentum 02:05 Meet Lawrence Waits 04:38 Cafe Intro HiveTrackX 05:41 Laurence's Career Journey 09:33 Waits Nature Strategy 13:48 Nature Based Neighborhoods 16:52 Green Space Business Case 19:37 Skills Capacity Challenges 22:22 Nature Tech In Planning 24:55 Policy Cuts Uncertainty 25:31 Nature Tech Adoption Gap 27:34 Project Complexity Needs Tech 30:34 Green Thread Information 33:03 People Not Just Process 34:49 Childhood Nature Memories 36:41 Nature Discomfort Moments 38:27 Awe Struck Encounters 41:24 Wrap Up Reflections Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E29
March 16 · 38 min
Episode 29: Enabling a Regenerative Food System that Supports Nature Recovery with Joseph Gridley, CEO & Founder of the Soil Association Exchange
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. 00:00 Welcome and Episode Intro 00:37 Life Updates and New Baby 01:42 Nature Thrive Wins at Rankin Farm 03:05 Why Soil Association Exchange Matters 05:50 Meet Joseph in Peckham 06:23 Jonathan’s Soil Story 07:32 Joseph’s Career Journey 11:49 Launching Soil Association Exchange 13:00 How the Exchange Model Works 16:44 Stacking Public and Private Funding 19:44 Farmers, Trust, and Transition 22:55 What Brands Get in Return 24:04 Data, Reporting, and Storytelling 28:36 First Memories in Nature 31:27 Worst Nature Experience 33:45 Best Nature Experience 36:37 Wrap Up and Key Takeaways Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E28
March 9 · 38 min
Episode 28: From Conservation to Restoration with Peter Dorans, Director of Business Development at Plantlife
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. 00:00 Podcast Welcome Updates 02:23 Meet Plantlife Focus 03:41 Pete Career Journey 09:33 Plantlife Mission Habitats 14:27 Why Restore Nature 15:58 Everyday Nature Business Sites 24:12 BNG Responsible Body Explained 29:34 Cathedral Thinking Long Term 30:18 Best Worst Nature Stories 36:38 Wrap Up Listener Takeaways Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E27
March 2 · 40 min
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
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. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 03:11 Setting the Scene 04:03 Nick’s Career Journey 06:28 Brexit and Policy Window 07:54 From Idea to Global Impact 10:39 Supply Demand and Trust 12:12 Natural Capital Explained 14:58 Keeping BNG Simple 18:44 Environmental Net Gain 20:46 Private Sector Motivation 21:06 Beyond Compliance Value 23:09 Metrics That Move Money 24:14 Making the Business Case 26:06 How BNG Should Evolve 29:09 Nature and Development Together 29:56 First Memory Fishing 32:29 Worst Night Exercise 34:20 Best Moments in Nature 35:57 Everyone Can Act 38:14 Host Wrap and Next Guests Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E26
February 23 · 36 min
Episode 26: Beyond the Pipes - Making Space for Nature with Angus Wells, Biodiversity Manager at Anglian Water
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. 00:00 Welcome + What This Episode Will (and Won’t) Cover 01:34 Meet Angus Wells: Shared Backgrounds & Why This Story Matters 03:19 Anglia Water’s Region & Big-Picture Catchment Work (Wetlands, Reservoirs, Resilience) 05:04 Angus’s Career Journey: From Practical Woodland Work to Anglia Water 07:27 Land Sharing vs Land Sparing: Making Nature Work in Productive Farmland 10:52 Why Water Companies Invest in Nature: AMP8, WINEP & Regulatory Drivers 15:08 Measuring Biodiversity Uplift: Performance Commitment, Habitat Units & 4-Year Targets 19:30 SSSIs & Flagship Project: Grafham Water Woodland Connectivity 22:08 Why Habitat Corridors Matter: Resilience, Movement & Genetic Diversity 25:05 First / Worst / Best in Nature: Early Memories, Career Frustrations & Agroforestry Wins 34:26 Wrap-Up + Host Reflections and What’s Next on the Podcast Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E25
February 16 · 39 min
Episode 25: Creating Places for People and Nature with Peter Rogers CBE, Co-founder of Lipton Rogers LLP
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. 00:00 Welcome Back + Newborn Night Shift Story 01:16 Meet Peter Rogers: Iconic City of London Developer & Green Building Pioneer 04:22 Deep Dive: 22 Bishopsgate’s ‘Vertical Village’ Concept 06:13 Inside the Building: Lobby Art, Amenities & Tenant Community 08:57 Peter’s Origin Story: From Italy to Civil Engineering & Contracting 11:06 Career Advice at 80: Find Work You Love + Start Early 14:41 Industry Headwinds: Bureaucracy, Rising Costs & Slow Innovation 17:32 Planning Reform, Building Safety Act & Unintended Consequences of Regulation 18:52 Energy Efficiency vs Overheating: Futureproofing Buildings in a Warming Climate 19:43 Safe Homes vs Enough Homes: Finding the Balance 20:50 Designing Developments as Places: Greenery, Parks & Wellbeing 22:08 Calling Out Greenwashing: Why Tiny Green Walls Don’t Move the Dial 23:11 Biodiversity Net Gain Reality Check: On‑Site Rules vs Landscape‑Scale Impact 26:31 Health & Safety vs Biodiversity: What Legislation Can (and Can’t) Fix 28:57 First Nature Memories: Ski Touring to Alpine Huts & Wild Quiet 31:44 Best Experience: Kalahari Desert Safari and Life in Harsh Landscapes 33:16 Worst Experience: Mediterranean Storms, Sailing Risk & Climate Change Signals 37:03 Wrapping Up: Ocean Warming, Seagrass Decline & Final Takeaways Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E24
February 9 · 55 min
Episode 24: Nature Positive, What's all that About? With Edward Pollard, Founder of Positive by Nature
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. 00:00 Welcome to Season Two 00:37 Personal Updates and Reflections 02:01 Challenges in Sustainability 03:16 Nature Thrive's Mission and Projects 07:42 Interview with Edward Pollard 11:33 Edward's Career Journey 16:06 Understanding Nature Positive 20:17 Corporate Action on Biodiversity 25:10 Business Case for Nature Conservation 27:44 Investor Pressure on Corporate Responsibility 29:06 Resilience and Risk in Supply Chains 30:26 Collaborative Approaches to Sustainable Supply Chains 32:28 Challenges and Successes in Landscape-Level Conservation 35:08 Regulatory and Policy Impacts on Conservation 41:25 Personal Experiences in Nature 51:28 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E23
Nov 19, 2025 · 49 min
Episode 23: Allies in Making Nature Restoration Profitable for All with Connell Grogan, Co-founder of Nature Impact
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. 00:00 Welcome to the Nature Thrive Podcast Finale 00:22 Introducing Connell Grogan and Nature Impact 01:19 The Importance of Biodiversity Net Gain 02:13 Challenges and Opportunities in Nature Recovery 08:06 Connell Grogan's Career Journey 15:38 The Mission and Model of Nature Impact 24:40 The Role of Developers in Biodiversity Net Gain 26:44 The Importance of Connected Green Spaces 27:33 Challenges in Landscape Architecture 28:14 Onsite vs. Offsite Biodiversity Efforts 30:09 Local Planning Authorities and Biodiversity 31:11 Supporting Small Developers 32:38 The Future of Nature Credits 39:03 Personal Experiences in Nature 47:12 Conclusion and Reflections Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E22
Nov 12, 2025 · 35 min
Episode 22: Making Commercial Sense of Embracing Organic and Biodynamic Principles with Nick Wenman, Owner of Albury Vineyard
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. 00:00 Welcome to the Nature Thrive Podcast 00:21 Introducing Nick and Aubrey Vineyard 01:15 The Importance of Commercial Benefits in Sustainability 03:05 Nick's Journey from IT to Viticulture 06:28 Challenges and Rewards of Organic Farming 08:42 Biodynamic Principles and Practices 12:31 Impact of Climate Change on Viticulture 14:47 The Business of Running a Vineyard 16:02 Educational and Environmental Initiatives 25:28 First, Best, and Worst Experiences in Nature 32:31 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E21
Oct 31, 2025 · 43 min
Episode 21: The Business Case for Nature with Helen Nyul (former) Head of Biodiversity at Barrat Redrow
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. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:37 Guest Introduction: Helen Mule's Career Journey 02:14 Helen's Transition to Verna 03:47 Jonathan's Nostalgic Moment 04:44 Helen's Career Pathway 08:06 Biodiversity Action Plans and Business Impact 19:00 Barrett's Approach to Sustainability 23:34 Innovative Wildlife-Friendly Developments 23:54 The Decline of Nature in Popular Culture 24:46 Future Homes Hub and Biodiversity Net Gain 25:08 The Impact of Biodiversity Policies on Developers 27:44 The Global Perspective on Biodiversity Net Gain 29:01 Mitigation Hierarchy in Site Development 30:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Biodiversity Net Gain 34:34 Personal Experiences and Reflections on Nature 41:23 Final Thoughts on Biodiversity and Nature Recovery Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E20
Oct 15, 2025 · 37 min
Episode 20: Designing Nature into the Built Environment with Philippa Birch-Wood (formerly) of Chetwoods
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. 00:00 Introduction to the Nature Thrive Podcast 00:52 Key Themes of the Conversation 03:21 Phillipa's Career Journey 04:36 The Role of Sustainability in Architecture 10:12 Thrive Design and Its Impact 21:56 Nature's Increasing Role in Design 26:24 First, Best, and Worst Experiences in Nature 31:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E19
Sep 23, 2025 · 37 min
Episode 19: How the Built Environment is Driving Nature Markets in the UK, with Simon Kennedy of Wates Wildscape
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. 00:00 Introduction to the Naturethrive Podcast 03:43 Meet Simon Kennedy: Associate Director at Wates Wild Scape 06:37 Understanding Nutrient Neutrality 10:49 Exploring Wates Wild Scape and Its Mission 19:45 The Importance of Sustainable Urban Green Spaces 27:39 Personal Reflections on Nature 35:16 Conclusion and Call to Action Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E18
Sep 4, 2025 · 47 min
Episode 18: Marrying the Heart with the Head and Hands to Enable Positive Change, with Louisa Harris
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. 00:00 Introduction to the Nature Thrive Podcast 00:23 Meet Louisa Harris: A Year of Experimentation 01:18 The State of Sustainability in 2025 01:33 Career Paths in Sustainability 04:46 Louisa's Journey into Sustainability 07:17 Early Career and Carbon Auditing 08:55 Building Sustainability at Grant Thornton 10:09 Leadership and Systems Change 11:30 Pandemic and Teaching at CISL 11:52 Brand Work and Sustainability 21:11 The Role of Nature in Sustainability 24:45 Rethinking Organizational Boundaries 25:28 The Joy of Rewilding 25:44 Concerns About the New Nature Language 27:28 Quantifying Nature and Biodiversity 29:49 Coaching and Nature's Principles 32:02 Innovations in Service Design 34:00 Experiments with Sustainable Compost 39:04 Personal Reflections on Nature 42:53 Profound Experiences in Nature 45:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Send us Fan Mail
S1 · E17
Aug 19, 2025 · 49 min
Episode 17: Rewilding, what's it all about? with Alister Scott of the Global Rewilding Alliance
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 Send us Fan Mail

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