Harvey Davies, Head of Natural Capital at award-winning law firm Thrings, has been named in this year's Environment 100, adding to his reputation as one of the UK's most influential environmental professionals.
Run by the organisers of the Environmental Services and Solutions Expo, the Environment 100 celebrates the people driving environmental sustainability forward across the country – bringing together leaders, innovators and unsung heroes from across the sector to recognise those making the biggest impact to the UK’s environment.
Leading Thrings' Natural Capital practice, and part of the firm's Planning and Environment team, Harvey has become a go-to adviser for farmers, landowners, agents and consultants across the country. He advises on some of the country's most significant and innovative natural capital projects, helping to unlock much-needed development, secure value for landowners and deliver positive outcomes for the natural environment.
A practicing farmer, Harvey’s work draws on his first-hand experience managing his family's farm in Herefordshire, giving clients practical, on-the-ground insight alongside his legal advice.
The announcement comes just months after Harvey was also named in the ENDS Power 100, a similar list of UK environmental professionals, judged to have made the biggest impact over the past two years. Together, these accolades cement his position as one of the UK's leading advisers in the rapidly evolving natural capital sector.
Harvey said: "It's a real honour to be named in the Environment 100. Natural capital is still a young and fast-changing area of law, so it means a lot to be recognised alongside so many other people working hard to move the sector forward. It really reflects the trust our clients place in us and the strength of the team here at Thrings.
“Landowners and farmers are under more pressure than ever due to escalating operational and regulatory costs and challenging growing conditions to look at alternative land uses including natural capital. With the right advice, these markets can offer significant opportunities which generate new income streams for farming enterprises.
“It’s important to keep raising the profile of this space, and secure more investment through the development of new nature markets, as well as to cultivate greater understanding among farmers and landowners of the potential opportunities and pitfalls so that this new sector can continue to evolve and thrive.
“I hope this recognition helps more people see how the tireless work of SMEs combined with funding from nature markets can offer a powerful alternative to regulation in generating superior environmental outcomes.”
Harvey and the rest of this year's list will be celebrated at a ceremony at the Future Talent Hub during ESS Expo at the NEC Birmingham on 17 September.
Natural capital is an evolving and increasingly important area, presenting new opportunities for landowners, developers and businesses to unlock environmental and commercial value. Our sector-leading multidisciplinary team advises on the full range of natural capital matters, including biodiversity net gain, nutrient neutrality and voluntary nature markets. Get in contact today to find out more.
