We are thrilled to announce that Molly Biddell has joined the W2W team as a key advisor on Nature Based Solutions across farms and landholdings within the corridor. Molly brings with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for integrating sustainable practices into rural environments.
Raised on her family's farm in Surrey, Molly has always been deeply connected to the farming community and is well placed to advise on achieving a balance of natural ecosystems and food production. Her professional journey in environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture began at Cambridge University, where she graduated with a degree in Geography. This academic foundation provided Molly with a robust understanding of environmental systems and the human impact on landscapes, setting the stage for her subsequent roles in rural consultancy and policy analysis.
Alongside her role on our team, Molly serves as the head of natural capital at the renowned Knepp Estate, where she is instrumental in implementing and generating sustainable revenue streams. This role not only honed her expertise in natural capital valuation but also solidified her commitment to innovative land management strategies that benefit both nature and local communities. She also serves as the Farmer Facilitator for the Upper Adur Farmer Group, where she’s contributing to a vital river recovery pilots under the new DEFRA funded Landscape Recovery programme.
Molly's previous experience also includes a time in the rural research team at Savills. There, she specialised in rural policy and the burgeoning sector of nature-based markets across the UK. Her focus was on creating and promoting policies and resources that encourage the adoption of sustainable practices among landowners and farmers, with an eye towards environmental conservation and economic viability.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Molly is an enthusiastic ambassador for LEAF Open Farm Sunday, an initiative that invites the public onto farms to learn about farming and food production. Her involvement reflects her interest in bridging the gap between consumers and the countryside, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of how sustainable farming practices can enhance our natural environment.
With Molly on board, the corridor has a chance to become a leading light within sustainable food production and innovative land management. We look forward to her insights in steering us towards greater ecological and community resilience. Welcome, Molly!