Alice Slattery is a Natural Capital Consultant at Savills. She explains what a typical day in her life entails and offers some useful advice to anyone aspiring to work in this exciting and varied field.
After completing an Earth Sciences masters at Durham University, Alice started her career as a Graduate Environmental Assistant and then Assistant Environmental Scientist at AtkinsRéalis, where she worked for three years; she has recently joined Savills.
CIWEM: What does a typical day look like?
My typical day involves a mix of activities. I meet with landowners and other stakeholders to discuss their existing land use and identify potential opportunities and funding options for natural capital projects.
I stay up to date on the latest developments in nature markets, government policies, and environmental regulations. Important updates include new public and private funding options, and the environmental, economic, and societal impacts of various land management practices.
Another one of my responsibilities is to help clients develop and implement natural capital projects, such as carbon sequestration scheme or biodiversity restoration plans, and involves working with a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental organisations, and local communities.
I also use geospatial tools (GIS), publicly available data and tools, and client insight to assess the feasibility and evaluate the economic viability of natural capital projects. This service helps clients understand the potential costs and benefits of different options.
Collaboration is key with other professionals within Savills, including planning consultants, estate managers, and financial advisors; ensuring that our clients receive comprehensive advice and support.
CIWEM: Tell us about your team
Our specialist team of eight dedicated professionals advise private estates, institutional and corporate owners as well as project developers and investors new to land ownership. We provide expert market insight into the private nature-based solutions markets and analysis on the future of agri-environmental policy that is increasingly underpinned by natural capital thinking. The background of our team ranges from Chartered Surveyors to Environmental Scientists.
CIWEM: What is the purpose of your role?
As a Natural Capital Consultant at Savills, I primarily advise landowners and investors on how to leverage natural capital for financial and environmental benefits.
CIWEM: Tell us about a recent project
I am currently assessing a client’s land holdings to understand their current condition and the potential future opportunities for the management which could deliver economic, environmental or social benefits. As part of this assessment, I am identifying sources of private and public funding which the client can access to implement nature restoration on their land.
CIWEM: What do you love about your role?
I find it rewarding to collaborate with my colleagues to achieve exceptional results for our clients and I appreciate the variety of projects that come my way. Each one presents unique challenges and opportunities, keeping my work interesting and engaging.
It is fulfilling when I work on projects aligned with my personal values and interests, such as environmental conservation and sustainable land management.
Caption: water safety training is one part of working in natural environments
CIWEM: What challenges do you face?
One of the primary challenges I have encountered in my role is navigating the distinct differences between the English and Scottish systems.
Firstly, the regulatory landscape varies between England and Scotland, with different agencies overseeing environmental matters and implementing specific policies which makes it challenging to stay informed about the latest regulations and ensure compliance.
Secondly, while there are overarching UK-wide policies, there are also distinct regional policies in England and Scotland. These differences can impact the availability of funding, incentives, and support for natural capital projects.
Lastly, the availability and quality of data can vary significantly between England and Scotland. This difference can impact the way we