ENVIRONMENT, NATURE & FARMING
Rebecca Pow, former UK Environment and Nature Restoration Minister (2019–2024), is a respected champion of the environment, farming, and nature restoration. With a scientific foundation in rural environmental science and practical experience in agriculture and gardening, she merges policy expertise with hands-on advocacy.
Her leadership has driven impactful initiatives—from banning microplastics to promoting soil health and habitat protection—while her ability to communicate complex issues inspires collaboration across government, media, and communities. Widely recognised for her visionary yet grounded
approach, Rebecca remains a leading force in shaping sustainable environmental change.
She was recognised in the ENDS POWER LIST 2024 as one of the top 50 political change makers for making the most positive contribution to green causes.
Highlights
As former Minister for Environment and Nature Restoration (2019 – 2024) she influenced ground breaking reforms - including setting a legal target to halt the decline of nature as part of the landmark Environment Act.
She collaborated with government bodies and external organisations to transform waste and recycling strategies, paving the way for a sustainable future.
She also set in motion major changes to the water sector which are reducing pollution and increasing supply.
She championed soil health as a cornerstone of environmental sustainability. Rebecca’s persistent advocacy not only triggered a select committee inquiry on soil but also influenced the design of the Sustainable Farming Initiative, ensuring farmers are rewarded for sustainable soil management practices.
With over two decades in communications, including being the first UK Environment Correspondent on UK TV, and presenting R4 Farming Today, Rebecca has a proven track record of rallying public and political support for critical environmental and countryside issues. Her persuasive campaigns led to the UK’s ban on microbeads, provided enhanced protections for ancient woodland, and safeguarded over 103,000 km of hedgerows.
Rebecca Pow’s expertise in environment, nature, and farming is both broad and deep.
Her scientific foundation in rural environment science, combined with hands-on agricultural and gardening experience, underpins her unique approach to environmental stewardship.
Rebeccas’ garden is a canvass for her love of nature and her creativity. It has featured in many of her gardening programmes and articles.
