Bellway’s group head of biodiversity has been named as one of the most impactful environmental professionals in the country in a prestigious national report.
Neil Beamsley, who is based at the housebuilder’s national HQ in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has been recognised as one of the most influential private sector professionals in the ENDS Report Power List 2024.
The annual report names 100 UK environmental professionals who have made the greatest impact in the past two years – as nominated by their colleagues, clients and competitors.
According to his nominator, Neil is “one of the very few who puts himself forward at the coalface of biodiversity issues.”
Neil, who was previously principal ecologist at consultancy BSG Ecology and has also worked for The Wildlife Trust and Natural England, took up his role with Bellway in September 2022.
He is on several working parties with DEFRA and was among a handful of industry representatives invited to an event at 10 Downing Street in 2023, which explored how farmers can diversify and support nature.
Neil’s main responsibility has been to implement Bellway’s biodiversity commitments outlined as part of its Better with Bellway strategy, the company’s overarching and sustainable approach to business practices.
These commitments aim to mitigate Bellway’s impact on the environment through a range of actions including flood impact assessments, ecology surveys, biodiversity mitigation, and environmental impact assessments.
Highlights include a link-up with conservation charity, Plantlife, to bring more sustainable habitats to Bellway developments across the UK, including show home gardens that will be designed to encourage wild plants, insects, birds and other species. Neil has also ensured that Bellway is committed to achieving at least a 10% biodiversity net gain on all new sites submitted for planning from July 2023 onwards, six months ahead of statutory requirement.
Neil said: “I am honoured to be included in the ENDS Report Power List 2024 which names the most influential environmental professionals in the country over the last 24 months. It is a privilege to be part of a list which includes the most dynamic change-makers in their fields.”
“This not only represents recognition for me personally, but also serves as an acknowledgement of the pioneering vision that Bellway displayed when it created its Better with Bellway strategy, which is specifically designed as a new sustainable approach to put people and the planet first.”
“I am proud to be part of a company which seeks to address issues, solve problems and make a real difference in the bid to preserve nature and protect our environment.”
