This project is developing an adopted, top-level local authority strategy which determines, and manages, how the Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull Local Authorities will utilise the nature-based compensation monies, and other income streams, generated through the planning system or other voluntary environmental markets. This will continue, and build upon, the work carried out in developing a mandatory Warwickshire BNG market and developing Warwickshire Carbon and other Environmental Markets.The strategy gives a ‘strategic direction of travel’ for achieving and implementing investment in Warwickshire’s natural capital assets. It is based upon a blended finance model which incorporates public, private and third sector income streams in addition to grant funding, philanthropic support and the monies already generated through mandatory BNG. The strategy is now at the consultation stage, so we have started work on the Natural Capital Investment Implementation Plan which will describe what actions will be required, how they will be carried out, who will be involved and how the plan will be funded.

Chris Bowden Consulting offer ornithological surveying services within the UK using a range of very experienced and professional ornithologists.We can work anywhere in the UK, or potentially abroad. To date, we have worked extensively in Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, and since Summer 2023 we have carried out many surveys in Essex. Currently (Winter 2024) we are carrying out transect and vantage point surveys on the Essex coast.

I specialise in developing, scoping and managing nature recovery projects predominantly investigating natural capital approaches, implementing ecosystem services markets (including BNG, carbon, air quality and nutrient neutrality) and developing innovative funding mechanisms for environmental programmes and projects. Key activities also include programme/project management, developing partnerships, stakeholder engagement, research, surveys and management projects.I have completed a critical review of UK approaches to natural capital investment planning and researched the application of a natural capital approach to Local Authority planning policies and the OxCam Arc growth agenda. Recently, I led a Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund (NEIRF) project to develop environmental markets for Warwickshire County Council, led a team delivering the Bernwood, Otmoor and Ray Region Feasibility Assessment project for BBOWT and worked on the 'sellers' side of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Habitat Banking and Nature Based Investment Model NEIRF project.Currently, I'm helping the Warwickshire Local Authorities develop a Natural Capital Investment Strategy and Implementation Plan, leading the evaluation of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Species Recovery Project 'Reviving Our Wetlands' and am carrying out ornithological surveys for Logika Consultants Ltd.Other recent projects/clients include:• Researching ‘Developing sustainable finance for UK nature-based solutions’ for the JNCC.• Devising a methodology for measuring private investment in nature's recovery with GFI / eftec.• Facilitating and advising on the refresh of the Berkshire Local Nature Partnership.• Assisting the Ecosystems Knowledge Network Natural Capital Finance and Investment Conference.• Running consultation seminars for EA and CambridgeshireACRE.• Providing ornithological surveying, ecological advice, monitoring and development of site restoration plans for a range of clients.

Undertaking an independent evaluation of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Species Recovery Fund project ‘Reviving Our Wetlands’.The main aim of this work is to provide the Project Partnership with clear and well evidenced evaluation results to assess project outputs, including qualitative measures of the ‘Reviving Our Wetlands’ Species Recovery Fund project. The key deliverables are:- To identify key elements to measure the success of the project: has the species recovery work been fulfilled and targets met? - To use some key questions to ask the staff teams on delivery of projects and on the financial claim and management processes, and lessons learnt.- To use a short set of questions to capture soft data to inform qualitative evaluation, from volunteers and partners, in a structured form which allows for analysis. - Undertake initial and final evaluation work and reports.- To bring an objective, independent approach to evaluate the scheme delivery.

The Anglian (Great Ouse) RFCC Natural Environment Advisory Group (NEAG) informs and advises the RFCC committee in order to achieve tangible and realistic outcomes which will fulfil the requirements of the RFCC and the Environment Act, and produce significant benefits for nature and the environment.The NEAG guides, informs, influences and aids co-ordination to existing and future environment and flood risk strategies, processes and programmes. Its role is also to promote and champion nature-based solutions and help demonstrate the added value that NFM and other nature-based solutions can bring. It achieves these by keeping the RFCC committee up to date with developments within the natural environment sector, developing projects and joint programmes of work, encouraging collaborative working and identifying funding sources and requirements.The membership of the NEAG covers a wide range of statutory, NGO, public and private sector partners so it can ensure that proposed projects and programmes are linked with other local environmental strategies and policies. For example Local Nature Recovery Strategies, Green Infrastructure Strategies, Biodiversity Action Plans, climate change strategies, natural capital strategies and local planning policies.

Environment Agency appointed, voluntary Conservation Member of the Anglian (Great Ouse) Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.The Regional Flood and Coastal Committee is established by the Environment Agency under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and brings together members appointed by Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) and independent members with relevant experience for 3 purposes:• to ensure there are coherent plans for identifying, communicating and managing flood and coastal erosion risks across catchments and shorelines• to encourage efficient, targeted and risk-based investment in flood and coastal erosion risk management that represents value for money and benefits local communities• to provide a link between the Environment Agency, LLFAs, other risk management authorities, and other relevant bodies to build understanding of flood and coastal erosion risks in its area.

The Greater Cambridge Design Review Panel supports Greater Cambridge Shared Planning’s commitment to high-quality design and placemaking, adding value to the planning process, managing change positively and helping create a lasting legacy.Design review is a well-established and effective way of enhancing the quality of the built environment. It is an independent evaluation service where a multi-disciplinary Panel of built and natural environment experts assess the quality of development proposals and recommend improvements. Design review operates in the public interest and is recognised in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Natural Cambridgeshire (Local Nature Partnership)Working with a small team to develop the Cambridgeshire Doubling Nature Investment Plan. Currently focussing on funding, stakeholder engagement and developing suitable investment tools, including an environment fund, habitat banks, carbon storage, green bonds and a county-wide environmental levy to households and/or businesses. In October 2020, we ran workshops with landowners, businesses, financiers, property companies and potential investors to explore what they want/need from an investible proposition and how to promote investment in our natural environment. Previously an Executive board member and advisor, and led their work on the OxCam Arc. Developed 18 environmental project proposals costing £36M - £6K, with a wide range of partners and stakeholders, for Defra and MHCLG funding. UNESCO Fens Biosphere Steering Group Advising on project scoping, advocacy, stakeholder mapping and engagement. Member of executive, steering group, funding, communications and branding working groups.Cambridgeshire Future Parks Accelerator Project Adviser and member of the funding and operating models working groups.Great Ouse Valley Trust Helping develop the Trust, scope programmes and projects, identify funding streams, plan advocacy and stakeholder engagement.Supporting environmental and climate change initiatives from Water Resources East, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Greater Cambridge Partnership and all Cambridgeshire Local Authorities. Active committee member of the Cambridge Conservation Forum and Fens For The Future.Carrying out voluntary species monitoring work for RSPB (farmland birds, bumblebees and pollinators, and nest surveys for bittern and marsh harrier) BTO and other conservation organisations.

Researched and developed a 'seller-side' framework for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Habitat Banking and Nature Based Investment Model NEIRF project, funded by Defra. Key outputs included developing a 'sellers guide' (a project developers guide to developing investible propositions and investment-ready projects), carrying out a best practice review of land use revenue generation activities, assessing the viability of potential ecosystem service markets and advising on market mechanisms and sustainable funding opportunities to ensure that the LCR Habitat Bank is funded to meet long-term management requirements.

Led a team of consultants to deliver the Bernwood, Otmoor and the Ray Region Feasibility Assessment project for the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust and Buckinghamshire Council. We worked closely with over 70 stakeholders to develop a nature recovery plan that included a range of feasible and fundable environmental projects that could begin to deliver nature’s recovery in this vital landscape. Our work on the project included stakeholder engagement, threats & opportunities assessments, spatial prioritisation, ground-truthing and the development of a nature recovery plan and six detailed project concepts. The six project concepts ranged from small to landscape-scale and from thousands of pounds to millions. The project proposals cover developing farmer clusters, supporting landowners with advice on innovative finance, a major river and meadow restoration project, reconnecting ancient woodlands, linking urban Oxford to neighbouring wetlands and forests, widescale hedgerow restoration and developing country parks.

Researched ‘Developing sustainable finance for UK nature-based solutions’ for the JNCC, focussing on enabling ecosystem services (ES) markets (carbon, biodiversity, water quality and regulation, and coastal resilience) in saltmarsh and seagrass habitats. The project reviewed existing ES markets and identified the challenges, opportunities, barriers to implementation, feasibility and the role of both economic and ecological risk and uncertainty in stimulating private investment.

Led a team which delivered the Warwickshire County Council Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund (NEIRF) project which will enable Warwickshire County Council to develop long-term, sustainable funding mechanisms for its environmental ambitions within the mandatory system of Warwickshire’s Local Authority consenting regimes. The study produced recommendations for the development of a natural capital investment strategy, establishing a carbon market (a Warwickshire Carbon Standard based on the the UK Woodland Carbon Code) and an air quality (nitrogen deposition on habitats) offsetting market. It also identified other potential mandatory ecosystem services markets including nutrient neutrality, flood risk mitigation and social prescribing.

Project manager, lead researcher and report author of a project for the Defra OxCam Arc Local Natural Capital Planning team, funded by the Defra Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment fund. This project investigated the application of a natural capital approach and natural capital and ecosystem services mapping and data to local planning policy and the growth agenda within the OxCam Arc. The research was carried out at the Arc/spatial, county/LPA, neighbourhood plan and development masterplan levels. It also reviewed the 'planning for the future' White paper and examined wider policy links with biodiversity & environmental net gain and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy Pilot in Buckinghamshire.

Produced the Doubling Nature Investment Plan scoping study for the Defra group OxCam Local Natural Capital Plan team, Natural Cambridgeshire (LNP) and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority. This study compared and critically evaluated current UK natural capital investment approaches and recommended which aspects might be applied in Cambridgeshire to effectively achieve our ambition to Double Nature by 2050. The study focussed on opportunities for Cambridgeshire, but highlighted and discussed key aspects of different investment plans and approaches which might be useful for other counties who are considering the best approach to take when creating their own investment plan. Through its critical review, this study included an assessment of the effect the type of environmental challenges and the local socio-political and economic priorities could have on the recommendations of which investment models/mechanisms are most suitable and relevant.Thanks to this research, and previous work experiences, I have a very good knowledge of current approaches to biodiversity net gain, natural capital planning and natural capital investment planning, and have excellent contacts throughout the UK in this emerging field.

I led the RSPB's teams working in Cambridgeshire and the Fens to meet their conservation and business objectives. This included leading seven reserve teams through a period of significant change, re-visioning and leading the RSPB Fens Priority Landscape programme.A key part of the Fens Priority Landscape programme plan, and this role, was to champion biodiversity and nature conservation in the Cambridgeshire Fens and build strong, professional relationships with external organisations, working groups and individuals. By working with others I helped develop an integrated approach to nature conservation in the Fens with a wide range of partner organisations. This approach was successful and I am very positive about the potential for increased biodiversity and more homes for nature in the Fens in the future.

Developed and led a Technology team who were experts in specialist assistive products and technologies that could benefit deaf children and young people, but also focussing on new and developing technologies - especially new wearable and interactive technologies which work with mobile devices.A key aspect of this role was to identify, create and manage business development opportunities which will benefit deaf children, NDCS and the external organisations we worked with.The NDCS Technology team was restructured and given new objectives, so a key aspect of my role was developing a new team and managing considerable change within the organisation.

I developed and managed the NDCS Technology strategy which increased the impact of technology on the lives of deaf children and young people, their families and professionals working with them.Key aspects of this strategy included:• Research with deaf children, their families and professionals supporting them to determine their requirements of technology and explore its potential • Research into new mainstream technologies - identifying key benefits and gaps in provision• Working with other organisations to help develop future product/technological solutions which could better meet the needs of deaf children and young people• Raise awareness of technological solutions and their benefits for deaf children and young people• Develop innovative information resources to help families make informed purchasing decisions• Work on policy issues, legislation and international standardsAchievements of the NDCS Technology team:• Launched a unique online apps resource - the only UK guide to apps which can benefit deaf children and young people. The resource includes information on over 150 apps in 11 different categories and receives over 1000 unique visits every month. Go to www.ndcs.org.uk/apps.• Published 2 new publications 'How technology can help' and 'How radio aids can help' - detailed guides to products and technologies which could benefit deaf children and young people• Carried out an online research project to determine what problems deaf young people encounter in their daily lives and how products and technologies can help. The survey was completed by 500 deaf young people aged 12-18• Lead the responses from both the commercial and charity sectors to two OFCOM consultations related to the release of high frequency radio bands.

NDCS technology, assistive products and consumer research expert.Managed and updated the Technology Test Drive service - which loans essential educational and social products to deaf young people and their families. Produced relevant product purchasing advice and disseminated this through written, video and online media to internal and external audiences.Managed evaluation and research projects on products and technologies.Identified consumer needs and helped develop products and commercial proposals with external organizations and manufacturers. Key achievements:• Fully updated the Technology Test Drive service• Introduced an effective feedback collection system• Initiated product evaluation projects• Developed sponsorship and collaborative working relationships with manufacturing and retail organisations

RNID Technology product evaluation, ergonomics and usability expert. Project managed evaluation and research projects on products and technologies that benefit deaf and hard of hearing people. Disseminated the findings through both written and online media to RNID, consumers and manufacturers. Identified consumer product, and service, requirements and helped develop products and commercial proposals with external organizations and manufacturers. Key achievements:• Managed the design and development of the emergencySMS service• Product review articles in One in Seven magazine• Managed specific, user-focused product evaluation and development projects in collaboration with commercial organizations and manufacturers; including Nokia, Motorola, BT, Panasonic, Geemarc, DLR and TFL.

Developed and managed a successful consultancy business focused on consumer research, product evaluation, product development and user-centred design. Design and management of applied consumer research and design projects from conception, through prototyping, to manufacture or recommendations. Design and delivery of professional training workshops and programmes. Marketing and promoting the business.Key achievements• Leading role in the usability design of new, market-leading ranges of Hotpoint washing machines and related products, including prototype testing. • Principal advisor on the consumer requirements and design of a wide range of consumer products, websites and instruction booklets. • Designed and ran professional training programmes, including workshops in Research Project Development and Management to fledgling consumer organizations in the Baltic and Balkan states.

Lectured, and supervised research, in consumer product evaluation and design, ergonomics, marketing, consumer behaviour and market research. Expert tutor on all aspects of user-centred design, ergonomics, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, data analysis, information presentation and dissemination. Departmental Assessment and Teaching Quality Officer.Key achievements:Established and managed the University of North London Product Evaluation Service.Managed consumer research and product evaluation projects for a wide range of commercial, NGO and media clients including BT, Hotpoint, Philips, the Consumers’ Association and BBC Watchdog. Designed and launched the BA Consumer Behaviour degree course, the first of its kind in the UK.

Which? (formerly Consumers’ Association) is the largest consumer organisation in Europe. I designed and managed large consumer research projects and wrote magazine reports for Which?Key responsibilities• Design and manage consumer research projects on a wide range of products and services• Ergonomics and usability expert.• Researched and wrote articles for Which? Magazine.• Performed an external marketing role, promoting the laboratory to external contacts, UK and European clients. • Representative on numerous BSI and IEC Standards committees

Co-ordinating and supporting the scientific research projects on this around-the-world expedition. Marketing, public relations and fund raising activities.• Expedition Scientific Leader, Costa Rica 1985