New Environmentalists Working Together (NEWTs) Group
NEWTs is a strategic group and early career network bringing together people, organisations, projects and opportunities linked to nature, environment and place across the Tees Valley
The group supports pathways into skills, careers and leadership whilst helping to strengthen regional collaboration, share insight and create a stronger voice for younger people within wider environmental and sustainability discussions.
By connecting people, projects and partnerships, NEWTs helps support a more inclusive, resilient and future ready environmental sector across the Tees Valley.
Strategic Leads
Beka Lee
New Environmentalists Working Together Chair
Beka Lee is a Park and Garden Coordinator with over 15 years’ experience in the environmental sector. Starting as an apprentice Ranger, Beka has worked across some of Tees Valley’s most iconic historic parks and now manages 110 acres of parkland and a walled garden at Preston Park. A strong advocate for apprenticeships and environmental education, Beka is passionate about creating new pathways and opportunities for young people entering environmental careers.
1.
Championing early-career pathways, skills development, and access to opportunities.
2.
Creating meaningful connections between young people, employers, academia, and delivery organisations.
3.
Supporting inclusive engagement with education providers and community networks.
4.
Acting as a regional voice for future workforce and talent needs in the nature and green economy.
5.
Informing the Partnership’s long-term strategy from an early-career perspective.
Key Responsibilities:
Our aims for 2028:
Establish a strong and active network of young people and early-career professionals across the Tees Valley, creating opportunities to connect, collaborate and share knowledge.
Support clear routes into skills, training and employment by linking individuals with organisations, opportunities and real-world experience across the environmental sector.
Ensure that the perspectives of young people and early-career professionals inform projects, investment and decision-making across the Tees Valley Nature Partnership.
Become a member of the NEWTs Group
Membership of the New Environmentalists Working Together 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.