Chris Bawtree recognised for nature recovery leadership at Pro Landscaper Awards

Named a Sustainability and Biodiversity Leader

Ground Control’s Nature Recovery Director, Chris Bawtree, has been named 'Sustainability and Biodiversity Leader' at the 2026 Pro Landscaper Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards.

The awards celebrate environmental leadership, innovation and outstanding green-space projects across the UK landscaping sector.

Chris was recognised for his work advancing nature recovery, including his leadership of Ground Control’s habitat banks at Wildfell and Devana. Here, he is helping to create high-integrity Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units while delivering thriving habitats that bring colleagues, clients and local communities closer to nature through hands-on conservation.

2026 Sustainability and Biodiversity Leader winner graphic featuring Chris Bawtree.

The award recognises Chris’s ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful, measurable nature recovery and championing biodiversity across Ground Control and the wider industry.

Chris said:

I am honoured to be recognised as a Sustainability and Biodiversity Leader by Pro Landscaper, and fortunate to be able to pursue my passion for nature recovery every day at Wildfell and Devana. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the habitat banks, joined our sessions and been part of this incredible journey so far.

Further success for Ground Control

It was also a successful event for Ground Control more widely, with recognition across two further award categories.

The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, delivered by Ground Control’s Landscaping, Design and Energy division, was Highly Commended in the Commercial Build category.

Ground Control’s Maintenance team was also Shortlisted in the Maintenance Contract category for its work at Tesco HQ, further recognising the breadth of expertise and quality being delivered across the business.