Nick Bell is a veterinary surgeon and Director of Herd Health Consultancy, with over two decades of international experience in practical herd health and welfare improvement. Raised on a small livestock farm in Herefordshire, England, Nick has dedicated his career to advancing cattle foot health and played a pivotal role in developing a national foot health programme for dairy farmers.
Nick began his professional journey as a first opinion practitioner and later became a large animal practice director. His interest in animal welfare and behaviour led him to the University of Bristol, where he completed a PhD and continued as a Research Fellow within the welfare and behaviour group. He then moved to the Royal Veterinary College, taking on the role of senior lecturer and director of production animal tracking rotations in the South of England.
In 2006, Nick founded Herd Health Consultancy, which he has led ever since, working across the UK and internationally. His consultancy work focuses on practical herd health strategies, dairy cattle foot health programmes, training delivery, and supporting major retailer schemes. He is also an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham.
In June 2025, Nick accepted a Professorship in Western Australia and relocated there with his wife and two children. While now based abroad, he continues to serve as Director of Herd Health Consultancy, dedicating one day per week to the role and remaining fully accessible for remote collaboration—particularly during early UK mornings.
