Based in the Northwest of England, I am an Ecologist with MSc, specialising in Countryside Management and invasive species. Looking to further my career in conservation and ecology, I am currently employed with DEFRA (APHA) working in biosecurity.
My current position is with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (part of DEFRA) and I specialise in plant health - quarantine pests and diseases. I inspect farms, plant nurseries and the wider environment for plant pests and diseases. In the course of this work I have been involved in the management of Phytophthora ramorum outbreak sites, Xylella checks, Tobacco whitefly outbreaks and have inspected for many other quarantine pests.
Invasive species has long been an interest of mine, having worked for several years in New Zealand as a field-based biosecurity officer.
On returning to the UK I completed an MSc in Ecology (with distinction), and Environmental Management and shortly afterwards joined Natural England where I worked on Biodiversity and Countryside Stewardship, particularly with farmers in the Lancashire area.
I have also worked for 8 years as a Countryside Ranger in Stockport (where I began my career), during which time I was involved in habitat creation and management projects, environmental education, recreation management, and practical countryside management such as path, fence and track building, hedge laying and coppicing.
MSc Ecology and Environmental Management (Distinction)
BSc (Hons) Environmental Studies
Driving
Machinery
Chemicals
NGB Awards
Animal
RHS Qualifications (or Equivalent)
Outdoor Education
Other
8 years as Countryside Ranger, 1 year with Natural England, 4 years working in Biosecurity in UK and New Zealand. Other short term positions in arboriculture, forestry and horticulture.
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