Shows
The naturethrive podcastEpisode 23: Allies in Making Nature Restoration Profitable for All with Connell Grogan, Co-founder of Nature ImpactIn 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...
2025-11-1949 min
The naturethrive podcastEpisode 22: Making Commercial Sense of Embracing Organic and Biodynamic Principles with Nick Wenman, Owner of Albury VineyardIn 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...
2025-11-1235 min
The naturethrive podcastEpisode 21: The Business Case for Nature with Helen Nyul (former) Head of Biodiversity at Barrat RedrowIn 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 Overview00:37 Guest Introduction: Helen Mule's Career Journey02:14 Helen's T...
2025-10-3143 min
The naturethrive podcastEpisode 20: Designing Nature into the Built Environment with Philippa Birch-Wood (formerly) of ChetwoodsIn 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 Podcast00:52 Key Themes of the Conversation03:21 Phillipa's Career Journey04:36 The Role of Sustainability in Architecture10:12 T...
2025-10-1537 min
The naturethrive podcastEpisode 19: How the Built Environment is Driving Nature Markets in the UK, with Simon Kennedy of Wates WildscapeIn 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 pr...
2025-09-2337 min
The Artist Interview PodcastJonathan OgdenWe stay in the UK this week as Gordon chats with former Rivers & Robots frontman Jonathan Ogden about his latest album Night — a soul-affirming project that reimagines the night not as a time of darkness, but as a space for comfort, healing, and restoration. Tracks Featured: ‘Fall Back Into You’, ‘Flowers’, ‘Nothing Can Change Your Mind’. First Broadcast on Hope FM: 11/09/2025 Find us at theartistinterviewpodcast.comProduced by Gordon TEdited by Dan W The Artist Interview – A Podcast by Hope FM
2025-09-1152 min
The naturethrive podcastEpisode 18: Marrying the Heart with the Head and Hands to Enable Positive Change, with Louisa HarrisIn 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...
2025-09-0447 min
The naturethrive podcastEpisode 17: Rewilding, what's it all about? with Alister Scott of the Global Rewilding AllianceIn 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...
2025-08-1949 min
The naturethrive podcastEpisode 16: Connecting with Nature through our Gardens with George HillierIn 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...
2025-08-0548 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 15 - The Allerton Project Head of Sustainable Farming Joe StanleyThis 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...
2025-07-2942 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 14 - Bellway Homes Group Head of Biodiversity Neil BeamsleyThis 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.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:28 Meet Neil Beamsley: Head of Biodiversity at Beltway...
2025-07-2137 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 13 - Planet Mark CEO Steve MalkinThis 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...
2025-07-0334 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 12 - Strata Homes Planning Director Claire Linley and Sustainability Manager Elsie HargateThis 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...
2025-06-1141 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 11 - Bemari Founder Marina BradfordThis 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...
2025-06-0251 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 10 - CEO of BNGx Andrew HicksThis 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.Send us a text
2025-05-1533 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 9 - HiveTracks Head of Growth - Benjamin TomkinsThis 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...
2025-04-2335 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 8 - CEO of Native Rob CobboldNative 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.Send us a text
2025-04-0831 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 7 - Wrangcombe Farm Land Manager Nigel RiddleIn 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...
2025-03-2828 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 6 - head of natural capital at Knepp Estate Molly BiddellIn 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...
2025-02-2731 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 5 - Farmers Tom Church & Hazel TowlerIn 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 t...
2025-02-1129 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 4 - Planet Mark Director Andrew GriffithsIn 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 e...
2025-02-0524 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 3 - environmental lawyer Richard BroadbentIn 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.Send us a text
2025-01-2230 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 2 - UK Green Building Council Advisor Simon MatthewsIn 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.Send us a text
2025-01-2232 min
The naturethrive podcastnaturethrive podcast episode 1 - Farmer Alec CloutingFarmers are key stakeholders in the nature restoration space.Alec Clouting is a young farmer managing 200 acres of farmland in Surrey and we discuss who we strike a balance between growing the food that we need and helping nature to recover and thrive.Send us a text
2024-12-2040 min
Metta TalksMetta Talks: Season 2, Episode 2 - Reduce Carbon, Reduce CostWelcome back to #MettaTalks Season 2!In episode 2, our Co-Founder Gabi and Innovation and Sustainability Lead Heather, sit down with Jonathan Withey, to chat all things climate education and reducing carbon costs. Jonathan is Head of Business Development at Planet Mark - a sustainability certification for every type of organisation and real estate. The certification recognises continuous improvement, encourages action and builds an empowered community of like-minded individuals who make a world of difference. Here at Metta, we are proud to have attained our Planet Mark certification.Jonathan has spent the past eight years...
2022-04-2750 min
Exploring EnterpriseEpisode 5: SMEs and Net ZeroIn episode 5, ERC Director Professor Stephen Roper is joined by Dr Anastasia Ri, Research Fellow at the ERC; Jonathan Withey, Head of Business Development and Planet Mark; and Catherine Westoby, Senior Policy Adviser, Public Behaviour Change on Net Zero at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to discuss SMEs and the Net Zero challenge.
2021-11-1540 min
The Artist Interview PodcastThe Cashmans (Archive Episode)Here's another one from TAI Archives! And it's one of our absolute all-time favourite episodes, too.Brittany and Jonathan Cashman (aka The Cashmans) join Gordon T to talk kids, marriage, and... issues with plumbing in an RV.Tracks featured: 'The Promise Is You', 'In The Waiting', 'Close'.First Broadcast on Hope FM: 03/03/2021 ------------------- Listen to the 2020 album by The Cashmans, 'Burn' NOW!https://open.spotify.com/album/15QBSaZy5pXASrLEmfegUz?si=nRoQYqE4QEC8nG--6Fs6Dg------------------- The Artist Interview - A Podcast by Hope FM. Find us at hopefm.com Produced by Gordon T Edited by Dan W Hosted on...
2021-10-2747 min