Our Wider Countryside Team

Female member of WWT staff talking to a group of farmers (with backs to the camera) in a field at Lower Smite Farm with a hedge behind the group

Meet our Wider Countryside Team

Areas of work

Managing the Trust’s arable sites and advice to landowners on environmentally-sensitive farming practice.
Engaging landowners and farmers to aid in the protection of our environment and reduce water pollution through infrastructure investments and management schemes as well as various projects and initiatives.
Providing input into the planning and development control process with local authorities, the public and other partners.
Delivering habitat surveys, management advice and assistance with grant applications for projects that aim to create or restore wildlife rich habitats.

Skills	Able to use GIS and other relevant packages Habitat, species and natural history skills relevant to the role Project development and management Planning and running meetings Interpersonal and negotiating skills A proven ability to engage with a wide range of people and instil enthusiasm for a project
Knowledge	Working knowledge of English planning system at a national and local level and legislation that underpins it. Understanding of the ecological context of Local Wildlife Sites and the national policies around them Knowledge of habitat and species legislation, management theory and technique Ecological interpretation skills Good knowledge of wildlife and Green Infrastructure principles Strong knowledge of current agricultural practices and legislation
Experience	Ecological surveying and practical habitat management Habitat creation Working with volunteers / partners and community involvement Managing contractors / projects Managing project budgets Experience in a relevant role Working in the agricultural sector and/or with agricultural professionals and communities
Personal qualities	Good communicator to a wide range of audiences Powers of persuasion Aptitude to develop use and understanding of technology relevant to the role Innovative and forward thinking

Case Study: Jess Nott, Catchment Partnership Agricultural Advisor

I have lived all my life on a farm but when I was younger, I was sure I didn’t want to be a farmer. I loved living in the countryside and I loved wildlife but the unsociable hours, being at the mercy of the weather and constant variability of the crops we produced didn’t seem like a stress-less future.

I didn’t know what I wanted to do but I knew that I loved history and working out how things worked. School gave me a chance to explore my many interests with some good results. My love of history and the environment led me to study Countryside and Environmental Management BSc Hons with Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) accreditation at university. As part of the degree, I had a year placement as an ecologist; I also helped my mum run her pottery and craft classes and taught ceramics at an America summer camp.

I still didn’t know what I wanted to do but I liked teaching and being outside so I followed this with a PGCE in Primary Education. I worked as a teaching assistant and cover teacher until a chance meeting with my now manager as part of her pollinator project had me hearing about the Trust’s work and the potential role of agricultural advisor.

I didn’t think I’d get the job with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust as felt that I had gaps in my knowledge. When I started, it was a little intimidating with the history of the Trust’s work but everyone was so supportive and willing to share their expertise, which made a big difference!

So now I am an agricultural advisor and occasional farmer, experimental gardener and craft teacher. Learn, and love what you learn, because knowledge will take you far. Don’t be afraid to try something new … or old.