Esme Evans returns to the Shoot Room—ecologist, estate manager, and now a vital part of the Oxygen Conservation Natural Capital team. With a background in marine biology and ecology, Esme’s journey has taken her from discovering new species in Madagascar to managing nearly 1,000 acres of complex estate land in Cornwall.
But what does it really take to balance biodiversity goals with community relationships and bureaucracy? How do you lead when conservation meets local skepticism? What challenges come with pioneering blue carbon projects in the Firth of Tay? And is the UK’s biodiversity net gain policy truly delivering on its promises—or just creating more paperwork?
Esme shares candid insights into the learning curve she’s faced, the mistakes made, and the bold plans for restoration and natural capital projects in 2025. She opens up about the realities of managing estates at scale and the passion it takes to fight biodiversity loss on the ground.
If you want to understand what natural capital looks like beyond the buzzwords—how it’s built, managed, and defended—this episode is a must-listen.
Are we ready to rethink conservation? What does success really mean in today’s world? Tune in and join the conversation.
