Property consultant Strutt & Parker has announced the members of its natural capital team – a new team that will advise clients on realising capital assets while also aiming to enhance the environment and boost biodiversity.
Alex Brearley has been announced as the head of natural capital; Jonty Rawcliffe has been announced as the head of natural capital in England; and Joel Paterson has been announced as the head of natural capital in Scotland.
Strutt & Parker said the new team will be responsible for advising and supporting rural estates, farmers and other landowners who are seeking to unlock opportunities arising from the drive to improve the natural and rural environment.
Rhodri Thomas, head of rural at Strutt & Parker, said the creation of the new natural capital team signals the importance that the company places on efforts to address climate change and biodiversity loss.
“We are seeing unprecedented levels of interest from individuals, corporations and funds who recognise the role nature-based solutions, such as tree planting and peatland restoration, can play in meeting the big challenges faced by society,” he said.
“Our extensive rural client base is in a unique position to deliver such nature restoration projects, opening up valuable new revenue streams by generating carbon and biodiversity credits.
“Alex and his team will be working with clients of both Strutt & Parker and the wider BNP Paribas Group to offer a joined-up, cohesive approach to natural capital.”
Brearley joined Strutt & Parker in autumn of 2022 as its head of forestry and has over 20 years experience in the sector, having been a director in Forestry England.
In his new role, Brearley will be supported by Rawcliffe and Paterson, who will help provide tailored advice to clients in their different markets.
“This new team has been established to work with landowners and farmers who are looking to increase and monetise the management of natural capital,” Brearley said.
“The appetite for natural capital investment is huge and we are excited at the prospect of delivering projects that make a positive difference both to clients and the environment.”
