About Us
Our Vision
For the full potential of green spaces and gardens, individually and collectively, to be understood, embraced and realised, as places rich in wildlife and a source of fulfilment and enjoyment for people.
Trustworthy
We enjoy working with clients who put nature at the heart of their plans.
Innovative
We bring innovative ideas and creative vision to every project.
Experts
We strive to be the experts in our field, providing clarity and best possible support for our clients.
Sustainable
We design climate resilient gardens, recycle and repurpose materials, and build long-term client relationships.
Russell Hartwell
Founder & Managing Director
Fascinated by nature since his earliest memories, Russell grew up in the Chilterns countryside, back in the day when chalk-streams ran clear and windscreens were plastered with insects after longer journeys. Twenty years ago he left corporate life behind, to work with his heart as well as his head, in roles in environment and ecology, championing new and sustainable ways to turn grey places green and put nature at the heart of urban design. In 2021, Russell started and built the team at Future Nature, his local Wildlife Trust’s Ecological Consultancy, specialising in biodiversity enhancement projects, and won four gold medals at RHS Spring Festival Malvern in 2023 for their Wilder Spaces Show Garden.
An award winning wildlife photographer, Russell brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to A Place For Nature, on a mission to create, enhance and look after green spaces where people feel welcome and nature thrives.
Friends, Colleagues, Strategic Partners
I definitely can’t do everything myself! Happily, I’ve worked with some brilliant people over the years and now have a trustworthy pool of resources that I can call upon for specialist skills, as every project is different. That’s part of the joy of this way of working; aspiring to bring clients’ dreams to reality, with the help of partners whose experience and expertise means everything is achievable. A shout-out to A Place For Nature partners…
https://cultivatedgardener.co.uk/
Also award-winning, RHS and botanically trained Kate Burtonwood, whose flair for beautiful planting design stretches seamlessly from University gardens steeped in historical formality, to naturally flowing planting schemes that are rich in diversity, structure, colour and interest. Kate’s just brilliant.
https://www.geosltd.co.uk/
Gold medal award-winning George White and his team are wonderful to work with, because they bring a rare blend of practical landscaping experience together with the care and sensitivity needed for wildlife gardening and biodiversity enhancement projects.
Future Nature WTC & BBOWT
I enjoyed four years as MD of Future Nature, BBOWT Wildlife Trust’s Ecological Consultancy, building the team and working with some of the most passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable people I’ve ever known. Their invaluable work continues, and for projects which require protected species licensed surveys or planning related assessments such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), we collaborate with Future Nature, not least because they return their profits to The Wildlife Trust.
Tom Hartwell, my eldest son, and more importantly award winning Wildlife Cameraman & Film-maker, for his lovely video loop, clips and film on this website, some of which were filmed in wildlife gardens I created, and you may have seen his work on Springwatch, One Show and elsewhere on TV.
Paul Hicks, published author, painter of wildlife portraits of remarkable lifelike quality, and nature photographer – several of Paul’s superb close-up images adorn this website.
