Natural Capital Consultants Francesca Fowler-Walsh MRICS GSFP and Alice Slattery MSci are both based in Edinburgh as part of a nine-strong UK team advising estates, institutional and corporate owners, project developers and investors.

Francesca, previously a rural chartered surveyor with Nature England, is regional chair of RICS Matrics North, a RICS Northwest Region Board Member, a Trustee to the NFYFC and is certified in green and sustainable finance.

Meanwhile, Alice joins from AtkinsRéalis with an environmental science background and practical experience in nature restoration and analysing the value of ecosystem services provided to landscapes and local communities. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) and an accredited River Condition Assessment (RCA) surveyor.

Head of Savills UK Natural Capital Consultancy Team, Lucy Jenner who is based in Edinburgh, said: “Increasing political urgency around the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss has led to growing concern over environmental stewardship: this is quickly influencing how land is owned, managed and developed. A growing number of clients on both sides of the border are keen to be on the right side of change and to adapt.

“We are therefore delighted to welcome Francesca and Alice to help us practically deliver for our clients across the UK and provide input to our analysis of natural capital opportunities for land and property.”

Savills Natural Capital UK is headed up by Jon Dearlsey.

He said: “Shifting policy, market forces and a focus on net zero for corporations are impacting banks, landowners and developers. It is also creating exciting opportunities for rural landowners as well as private funds who wish to invest in projects which focus on rebuilding natural capital. It is wonderful that two such high calibre specialists have joined us as these opportunities come to the fore.”

Savills UK Natural Capital Team works closely with experts from Savills wider multi-discipline property business, including rural, residential, commercial and investment specialists, providing progressive and effective joined-up advice.