Principal Project Ecologist

Our Why

Our earth is warming at an unprecedented rate and our climate is changing faster than
predicted. It’s humanity’s greatest challenge. In the last fifty years wildlife populations
have declined by 69% and there have been significant changes to nature. In the UK over half of
average adults’ diet includes Ultra Processed Food affecting our health and wellbeing.

But we still have time to change course.

Our ambition here at Denton Reserve is to combat climate change through repurposing our land.
We will capture CO2, increase biodiversity, embark on nature friendly farming and produce more
seasonal and sustainable food.

Our What

Denton Reserve is a reimagined rural retreat, sitting within the Nidderdale National landscape
(AONB) and consists of 2,500 acres of woodland, moorland, grassland arable land and a deer
park.

We will realise our ambition to help address climate change through adopting a new land
management model and establish a reimagined hospitality enterprise.

We are combining a landscape restoration project of national significance with food production
and the creation of a unique naturally inspired destination and wellness experience, with
sustainability at heart.

Who we need:

We have already undertaken significant change on the estate, going from a traditional sheep and
shooting model to a more ecologically focused model, encompassing everything from regenerative
agriculture to bog restoration, rewilding and agroforestry.

We are looking for a full-time Ecologist with significant experience in all aspects of ecology,
including extensive survey and species identification skills. Someone ideally trained in
botany, priority habitat types and protected species; familiar with concepts of Ecosystem
Services, Natural Capital, Natural Flood Management and Nature Based Solutions who can produce
and contribute to technical reports, Ecological Impact Assessments, Invasive Species, BNG
assessments and other baseline assessments and monitoring of conservation and enhancement
projects.

You will ideally have an interest and knowledge of upland ecosystems, food production and
hydrology and you will further lead the overall approach to ecology at Denton Reserve, working
in partnership with our Land Management team to take full ownership of ecological interventions
and projects on the estate. 

We would like someone with appropriate degree level qualification (or equivalent work
experience) in an ecological or conservation or related field. Knowledge of GIS and Microsoft
Office would be very useful as would knowledge of UK nature conservation legislation and
planning processes.

We recognise that might be a lot to ask so don’t hesitate to apply if the role excites you but
you don’t feel you have all this experience. We work with some exceptional volunteer
organisations and consultants who are absolutely key to supporting ecology at Denton Reserve. 

The role is initially funded as a fixed term role until November 2025 to support our Defra
funded Landscape Recovery Project, with a view to become permanent thereafter as we hopefully
move into the 20-year implementation phase.

What you will be doing:

Based at our offices on the Estate, you will work primarily in partnership with our Estate
Manager and Landscape Recovery Project Manager as well as other staff within the Land
Management team, including the Farmer, Stock Manager / Ranger, and other specialist staff. 

You will plan and implement baseline and monitoring programmes, with a significant part of the
role being to contribute to the development of a long-term monitoring and evaluation plan that
supports Denton Reserve’s 20-year Landscape Recovery Scheme implementation proposal.

You will need to contribute and work across any future grant funded conservation projects,
understanding and advising on ecological survey requirements to design and deliver the best
ecological outcomes. This may involve supporting the estate on any relevant applications to
environmental schemes and compiling and applying for consents, permits and exemptions.

You will advise on pest species lifecycles to improve food production, monitor and engage with
the beaver project, undertake deer surveys, undertake drone surveys and engage with internal
and external audiences, including statutory authorities to build contacts, spread awareness and
identify and cost new projects. You will also work closely with and advise BNG and green
finance specialists regarding ecology on the estate.

You will also become intrinsically involved in advising on the general and wider ecological
impacts of other proposed commercial and ecological development projects across the estate,
upskilling and educating the wider team and coordinating/attending relevant meetings and
workshops to help build awareness and support. You will be strongly motivated and confident to
hold Denton Reserve to account on the ecological impacts of all activities on the estate,
particularly in relation to achieving our net-zero and biodiversity goals and aligning with our
Landscape Recovery Scheme targets.

What we offer:

• This is a fantastic opportunity to make meaningful change both to the local environment and
  ecosystem, but also more widely by helping to create a model for success that may be emulated
  on similar upland holdings.
• £35,000 – 45,000 per annum FTE, depending on experience
• We are open to reduced hours or flexible working so please do apply if the role excites you
• Beautiful location near Ilkley (LS29 0HF)

Next steps and how to apply:

• Send your CV and a brief cover note outlining why you would be a good fit and why the role
  excites you to [email protected]
• The first interview will be held on 9th September.

For an informal chat or any queries prior to applying feel free to call or WhatsApp me on
07825 811260