Summary:
Working with Nature
In Claire’s presentation, she will set out thoughts on the main drivers for working with nature; explore some of the key benefits of doing so; and share some practical experience of the benefits and opportunities of doing so.
Despite growing awareness of the need for urgent action, investment in nature remains far below the levels needed to reverse biodiversity loss and achieve nature recovery. To explain why we need to work with nature, Claire distinguishes between two drivers for action: nature-based solutions and nature-positive approaches. Nature-based solutions address social, economic, and project challenges by working with natural systems, while nature-positive approaches are driven more by policy and legislation, with the primary aim of supporting nature’s recovery.
Nature-based solutions often deliver multiple benefits. For example, peatland restoration helps store carbon, while wetlands improve climate resilience and support biodiversity. Drawing on projects in the UK and Peru, she will also share examples of working with nature to restore damaged ecosystems and support nature recovery.
With a complex jigsaw of climate and other environmental challenges, we need to respond with a complex jigsaw of different initiatives. The call to action can be daunting, because the need for nature restoration is so urgent. As encouragement, Claire will conclude by highlighting three positive UK initiatives from a single year, demonstrating that although the challenge is significant, every project and every action can contribute to meaningful change.
Our speaker, Claire Wansbury HonFSE FCIEEM FLS CEcol CMLI CEnv was recognised as a Honorary Fellow of the Society for the Environment in 2026.
Our speaker:
Claire Wansbury HonFSE FCIEEM FLS CEcol CMLI CEnv – AtkinsRéalis Fellow and Technical DirectorAtkinsRéalis Biodiversity
Claire is an award-winning ecologist with over 30 years of experience, bringing technical excellence to thinking on sustainability, particularly biodiversity, for decades. Claire is one of the UK’s top experts in biodiversity net gain and natural capital. She is critically acclaimed in this technical area and has, and continues to, greatly advance industry best practice in these newly emerging topics. Claire is one of AtkinsRéalis’ top global experts on creating approaches that combine Nature-based Solutions with nature positive outcomes.
When?
Tuesday 27th October 2026
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm GMT
Where?
Webinar on Teams.
How much?
A free webinar.
Register to attend:
Useful Information & Resources
CEnv Profile | Ecology and Biodiversity | Claire Wansbury, Fellow and Technical Director, AtkinsRéalis
EnvCast | Dive into Ecology with Claire Wansbury CEnv
Leading Voices // Claire Wansbury CEnv
CEnv at 20 blog | 2020 vision for 2040 – SocEnv has a critical role
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