Whilst habitat management roles may traditionally be considered to be male-dominated, in today’s professional nature conservation workplace, women play an active role in leadership, project management, community engagement and building relationships with landowners, local authorities and businesses. 

Chloe joined the Trust recently to take up the new role Director of Nature Recovery, having previously worked for Kent Wildlife Trust. Chloe is motivated by feeling that she can make a real difference in influencing the management of the countryside to restore it for people and nature. Initially, volunteering enabled Chloe to gain experience and this led to a paid job with the Wildlife Trust. As her role has grown so have Chloe’s ambitions and she is now in a position to take action and lead Hertfordshire and Middlesex towards a wilder 2030. Empowerment and aligning goals with local groups, and other conservation organisations are key to Chloe’s plans.

Bethaney is one of the Trust’s Assistant Reserves Officers and is responsible for reserves in Hertfordshire. Working with livestock is a particular highlight for Bethaney, who loves the Shetland and Herdwick sheep, as well as the volunteers who take part in the working groups she organises. Bethaney started out as a trainee with another of the Wildlife Trusts before securing her position with Herts and Middlesex seven months ago. Her advice to other young women wishing to follow in her footsteps would be to get involved in conservation through practical volunteering and take advantage of the many online events and resources available.

People & Wildlife Officer, Heidi is responsible for the success of the Wilder St Albans campaign, working with St Albans City & District Council to promote practical action to increase habitats and protect wildlife. Having always loved animals, Heidi undertook lots of different volunteering roles before establishing that local wildlife conservation was the route for her and would urge young women looking at conservation roles to do likewise. Heidi cites working with motivated and passionate people seeking to do more for wildlife on their patch as the most enjoyable part of her job. She sees her future as doing more of what she calls the same – getting lots of people to take action for local wildlife.

Reserves Officer, Anna has an active role in the practical management of the Trust’s nature reserves in the west of the region. This includes habitat management of woodlands, meadows and wetlands; infrastructure work, such as, livestock fencing; as well as tree safety surveys and looking after grazing livestock. Anna undertakes this work with her colleagues at the Trust and runs volunteer work parties. From chainsawing to brushcutting, Anna enjoys the practical elements of her role, as well as working outdoors. For anyone looking to get into conservation, Anna says, “just go for it! There are lots of great volunteering opportunities to build your skills and experience. It is such a rewarding role knowing that you are making a difference for wildlife.”

Kathryn  works on the Trust’s reserves to the east of the region as a Reserves Officer. She admits that the job can, at times, be challenging – for instance, when it’s cold and wet and she’s chasing sheep around! On the upside, working with volunteers wins big plus points as Kathryn is inspired by those who give up so much of their time to help the Trust achieve its goals. Kathryn is motivated by feeling that she is making a difference to the world and the open spaces she manages. With her own conservation career beginning with volunteering, Kathryn addresses gender balance, saying to women, “don’t be put off if you are training alongside men who are more physically capable – you have skills that are valuable and will be needed, you will find your way.”

Protecting our wildlife and natural habitats for the future is in all our interests, regardless of gender. Find out how you can get involved by visiting our support us page.