Nature Rising

We’re in a nature crisis, one million of the planet’s eight million species of plants and animals are at risk of extinction.

Decades of human activity, from the development of cities to the way we farm the countryside have had a huge negative impact on nature, and are now threatening our own survival. But after years of nature sinking, is it finally on the rise?  

In February 2024 the UK government introduced world-leading legislation to protect and enhance our natural world. As part of the Environment Act, there is now a requirement to deliver 10% ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ as a condition of new development.  

How will this new law play out for nature? What opportunities and benefits does it bring? And how does it empower the people who want to make change?

Join us to hear from the inspirational Belmont Estate, regional policy makers and leading landscape professionals. Our full line-up of speakers tba.

About the Speakers

Gil Martin (Director of Estates, Belmont Estate)

Gil Martin is the Director of Estates and Natural Capital at Belmont. Situated a stone’s throw from Bristol, Belmont is a redefined and reimagined country estate with a mission to regenerate land, reverse biodiversity loss and reconnect communities to nature and each other.  Gil’s extensive career managing farms and estates across the country plus working for conservation NGOs such as the National Trust has led him to oversee Belmont’s far-reaching plans for ecosystem restoration.

Kirsty Barker (Associate, LDA Design)
Kirsty is a nationally significant Landscape Architect at leading practice LDA Design. Kirsty specialises in designing contemporary public spaces within city centres and on the UK coast. Notable projects include Southsea Coastal Scheme, Stratford Waterfront, Stratford Cross S1+S11, Knightsbridge Place Strategy, and Holborn Public Realm Strategy; where the aim is to facilitate human interaction and celebrate place and biodiversity in streets, parks, and coastal defences.

Sophie Spencer (Senior Environment Manager, West of England Combined Authority)

Sophie is a Senior Environment Manager at the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, and leads a team working on green infrastructure, climate resilience, and nature and health in the region. She has 20 years’ experience in the charity and public sector, including with Natural England, as Director of a local environmental charity, and in national roles, influencing environmental and planning policy.

Presented in Partnership with Landscape Institute

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