Reform nature policies gain traction with Boris ally advisory role

Published: 30 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Reform UK has enlisted a close ally of Boris Johnson to shape its nature policies, as the party seeks to appeal to environmentally concerned voters. Ben Goldsmith, the well-known Conservative environmentalist and wildlife campaigner, has been approached to advise on policy areas including green belt preservation and sustainable fishing practices. Reform’s leadership, led by Nigel Farage and his policy adviser James Orr, hopes that integrating nature-focused policies will broaden the party’s appeal, particularly among Conservative voters wary of Farage’s previous climate positions.

Goldsmith, who has campaigned for the reintroduction of beavers and preservation of endangered species worldwide, will remain independent and not formally join Reform UK. His input is expected to shape the party’s stance on nature protection, reflecting both public concern and polling data showing that nature is a key issue for over 80% of potential Reform voters. The party’s efforts coincide with ongoing criticism of Labour’s environmental record, particularly its unwillingness to restrict bottom trawling in UK waters due to EU trading considerations.

Reform UK has steadily gained traction among right-leaning voters over the past 18 months, with polls suggesting the party is competitive with the Conservatives. Yet, opposition to net zero and perceived indifference to climate issues has alienated environmentally conscious voters. Goldsmith’s guidance on nature policy is seen as a strategic move to address this gap, potentially winning support from Conservative voters concerned about biodiversity and countryside protection.

Polling presented to senior Reform figures reportedly highlights that environmental issues resonate strongly with voters. Luke Tryl, UK director of More in Common, explained that both climate-sceptic Reform supporters and pro-climate Conservatives prioritise nature. Tryl noted that a majority of Reform and Conservative voters are more likely to back a party actively protecting nature, making this policy area a decisive factor in the upcoming election. Reform sources have indicated that the party is closely considering these insights to refine its platform.

Farage has cultivated relationships with Tory elites in London’s exclusive Mayfair club, 5 Hertford Street, which is owned by Robin Birley, half-brother of Ben and Zac Goldsmith. While Ben and Zac have not joined Reform, Ben’s impartial advisory role allows him to influence nature policy without political affiliation. This strategy reflects Reform’s broader attempt to attract environmentally minded Conservatives who might otherwise avoid Farage due to his climate scepticism.

Several issues are expected to dominate Reform’s nature agenda. Bottom trawling, a controversial fishing method that damages seabeds, remains largely unregulated due to Labour’s reluctance to enforce bans against EU fishermen. Advocates including David Attenborough have campaigned against this practice, which discards much of the catch and harms marine biodiversity. Reform’s policies are expected to propose stricter regulation of bottom trawling, appealing to voters concerned about sustainable fishing practices.

The green belt is another likely focal point. Labour’s planning deregulation, aimed at expanding housing, has prompted concerns about the impact on protected land. Reform leaders including Richard Tice have consistently argued for the preservation of the countryside, contrasting their position with Labour’s development policies. While Reform has opposed certain renewable energy projects like solar and onshore wind, claiming they affect natural landscapes, the party’s emerging nature policy will emphasise protection of habitats and wildlife across both urban and rural areas.

Goldsmith’s advisory role reflects the growing recognition that nature is a unifying concern across the right. He has long championed rewilding projects in the UK, including the restoration of river ecosystems and the reintroduction of native species. By advising Reform UK, he brings credibility and environmental expertise to a party whose previous climate positions have limited appeal among eco-conscious voters. Party insiders view this collaboration as a way to demonstrate genuine commitment to biodiversity without alienating core supporters.

Labour’s perceived inability to address certain nature issues effectively, combined with Reform UK’s targeted approach, is expected to shape political debate leading up to the next election. Reform figures argue that focusing on nature could help differentiate the party from both traditional Conservatives and Labour, especially among voters prioritising the protection of landscapes and wildlife. Sources suggest that Goldsmith’s contributions could result in concrete policy proposals that appeal across party lines, reflecting the wider public concern for environmental sustainability.

Reform’s broader environmental strategy is designed to balance voter concerns while avoiding full endorsement of net zero policies, which remain controversial among its base. Tice and other senior Reform figures have questioned the impact of human activity on climate change and expressed scepticism about fossil fuel regulations. Nevertheless, advisors like Goldsmith are likely to steer the party towards policies that promote biodiversity and protect ecosystems, demonstrating that nature protection can be pursued independently of broader climate commitments.

The party’s emerging nature agenda is seen as a critical factor for its next electoral strategy. Polling indicates that environmental issues influence both Reform and Conservative voter behaviour, with a significant number willing to shift allegiance to parties demonstrating genuine ecological concern. By incorporating expert advice from figures like Goldsmith, Reform UK hopes to present a credible, actionable plan for nature protection, potentially capturing the support of undecided or environmentally aware Conservative voters.

Farage’s approach demonstrates the party’s recognition that voter priorities are evolving. Nature conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable land use are increasingly decisive in shaping political loyalty. While Reform continues to challenge Labour on housing and energy policies, its collaboration with environmental experts underscores a strategic pivot that aims to resonate across the right, appealing to both traditional supporters and those motivated by ecological concerns.

Ultimately, the partnership with Goldsmith could redefine Reform UK’s profile, signalling a commitment to nature that extends beyond party ideology. By addressing issues such as bottom trawling, green belt protection, and wildlife conservation, Reform positions itself as a party responsive to voter priorities, capable of blending political pragmatism with environmental stewardship. As the party prepares its platform for the next election, the emphasis on nature may prove decisive in attracting environmentally minded voters previously hesitant to support Farage.

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