Episode 30: The Green Thread - Connecting the Dots Between Hard Hats and Habitats with Laurence Cummins, Sustainability Manager at Wates Group

On this episode Jonathan Withey chats with Laurence Cummins, Sustainability Manager at Wates Group, who describes his path from a biology degree and applied research role into leading the nature strand of Wates’ environmental strategy. They discuss drivers behind Wates’ nature work, including the Nature Based Neighbourhoods programme and research with More in Common showing cross-political support for green spaces. Laurence outlines nature tech uses such as high-resolution satellite imagery and the need for a “green thread” of accessible project information to avoid biodiversity outcomes being lost through complex delivery chains, then they close with Laurence’s early nature memories and standout experiences, including seeing dolphins in Cornwall.00:00 Podcast Welcome Update01:07 BNG Market Momentum02:05 Meet Lawrence Waits04:38 Cafe Intro HiveTrackX05:41 Laurence's Career Journey09:33 Waits Nature Strategy13:48 Nature Based Neighborhoods16:52 Green Space Business Case19:37 Skills Capacity Challenges22:22 Nature Tech In Planning24:55 Policy Cuts Uncertainty25:31 Nature Tech Adoption Gap27:34 Project Complexity Needs Tech30:34 Green Thread Information33:03 People Not Just Process34:49 Childhood Nature Memories36:41 Nature Discomfort Moments38:27 Awe Struck Encounters41:24 Wrap Up ReflectionsSend us Fan Mail