Natural Assets Group
The Natural Assets group brings together technical expertise to guide nature recovery across the region.
Acting as the TVNP’s technical voice, it ensures decisions and investment are informed by strong evidence and best practices. The group plays a central role in identifying priorities, managing regional risks and aligning action with key strategies including the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). The group supports the development of investable projects that deliver real outcomes for biodiversity, climate and communities.
By connecting ecologists, planners, land managers, experts and academics, the group ensures the Tees Valley’s natural assets are understood, valued and managed long term.
Strategic Lead
Tom Harman
Natural Assets Chair
I work as Chief Executive of Tees Valley Wildlife Trust. My focus is on bringing people and organisations together to protect and restore wildlife, while helping ensure that nature plays a central role in the region’s future development.
I’ve previously worked with organisations including the RSPB and the National Trust, building experience across habitat management, partnerships, and wider environmental projects.
I have a strong interest in collaborative approaches that bring different sectors together - finding ways for nature, communities, and the local economy to support long-term multi stranded sustainability for the region.
Key Responsibilities:
1.
Providing expert input on habitats, species, and natural capital priorities.
2.
Informing the development and delivery of LNRS.
3.
Identifying opportunities for nature recovery at scale.
4.
Supporting evidence-led decision making and prioritisation.
5.
Advising on the feasibility and impacts of proposed interventions.
6.
Acting as a link between local knowledge, statutory evidence, and delivery partners.
Our aims for 2028
Develop a clear, evidence-based understanding of natural assets, risks and opportunities to inform priorities across the Tees Valley.
Ensure environmental data and technical expertise directly inform TVNP priorities, project development and investment decisions.
Establish and maintain a robust, shared evidence base to support planning, monitoring and long-term environmental outcomes.
Become a member of the Natural Assets Group
Membership of the Natural Assets Group is open to professionals, practitioners, and partners committed to advancing nature recovery within the Tees Valley.
All participants are required to be members of the Tees Valley Nature Partnership (TVNP) to ensure shared accountability and alignment with the partnership’s wider strategic goals.