From cloud forests to coral reefs – how Opwall blends science, education and conservation impact with Dr Tom Martin, Head of Research at Opwall. Did you know that Operation Wallacea has taken more than 50,000 students into the field over the past 30 years. But what actually happens on an expedition? How does the science
How to build a meaningful career protecting the ocean by working with people, communities, and partners, with our guest Lissa Batey. If you’re interested in building a career in marine conservation, this episode is for you. Today’s guest is Dr Lissa Batey, a marine conservation professional whose work brings together communities, partners, and organisations to
How the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon is combining science, education and community action to keep the forest standing, with Johana Reyes. If you’ve ever wondered what a sustainable Amazon looks like in practice – how local livelihoods, science and education can work together to protect one of the most biodiverse places on Earth – this episode is for you. Today’s guest is
How the Wildlife Forensic Academy is training the next generation of crime scene investigators for nature, with Dr Greg Simpson. Hi, Nick here from Conservation Careers and welcome to the podcast. Today we’re exploring a lesser-known but vitally important side of conservation: wildlife forensics. My guest is Dr Greg Simpson — a vet, public health
If you’ve ever wondered how conservation can be truly inclusive, collaborative and community-led — this episode is for you. Today I’m joined by Helen Gibbons, an expert in community-based conservation and our current Expert in Residence at Conservation Careers. With over 25 years of experience working for leading organisations like the Gorilla Fund, WWF, Greenpeace and
Scotland is a land of breathtaking beauty — from its rugged coasts and misty glens to its rich biodiversity and wild spaces. But like all places we love, it needs care, commitment and community to keep it that way. In this episode, we’re joined by Barry Fisher, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, the environmental charity
Hi there, Nick here from Conservation Careers, and welcome to the podcast. When was the last time a piece of art changed how you thought or felt about the natural world? Today’s guest is Rory McCann — a conservation artist and muralist who uses large-scale, community-driven art to inspire awareness, connection, and action for nature. In
Have you ever felt stuck, burnt out, or unsure of your next move in your career? In this episode we’re joined by Kristi Foster, Head of Programmes at Conservation Careers and an experienced careers coach. Kristi has been a guiding force for hundreds of conservationists — helping them overcome internal barriers like imposter syndrome, burnout,
How rewilding is helping nature and people thrive in Portugal and beyond, with our Rewilding Expert in Residence, Pedro Ribeiro. If you’ve ever wondered what rewilding really means – or what it takes to make it happen on the ground – this episode is for you. We’re joined by Pedro Ribeiro, our Rewilding Expert in
Dr Marisa Tellez knew from a young age that she was destined to work with the world’s apex predators—particularly crocodiles. While her peers played with dolls, she immersed herself in books, documentaries, and wildlife centres, determined to one day turn her fascination into action. In this episode, we sit down with Dr Tellez, Executive Director
What happens when you stop fearing sharks — and start listening to them? In this inspiring episode, we dive into the extraordinary world of Cristina Zenato – a trailblazing shark behaviourist, cave explorer, and professional diver who has spent over three decades in the Bahamas. As Founder of the non-profit People of the Water, Cristina has
Explore how conservation professionals, educators and career-switchers can use education to scale their impact, with Dave Johnston, Director of Professional Development at the Wildlife Conservation Society, based at the Bronx Zoo in New York. Dave shares a passionate, inspiring perspective on why education is fundamental to conservation – and how zoos, aquariums, and teachers can
How do you design a training programme that actually prepares conservationists for the real world? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Stephen Green, Senior Lecturer at Newquay University Centre and co-creator of our new MSc in Conservation Project Management. Together, we reflect on the story behind this pioneering Master’s, review its first year, and
Today we’re joined by Sara Kenny – Communications and Marketing Manager at Biodiversify – for a rich conversation on the power of messaging, the art of communications strategy, and why brand matters in conservation. We dig into Sara’s journey from zoology and human rights into charity communications, and now, leading communications and marketing for one
What can three decades in one wild place teach us about conservation? In this episode, we sit down with Craig Ralston – Natural England Senior Reserve Manager at Yorkshire’s Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve – to explore his remarkable 30-year journey of restoring landscapes, inspiring communities, and navigating change. Craig shares his reflections on the
What if we gave as much love to insects as we do elephants? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Kate Umbers – Senior Lecturer in Zoology at Western Sydney University and Managing Director of Invertebrates Australia – for a passionate, perspective-shifting conversation about the beauty and importance of bugs. Kate shares why insects deserve a
How systemic transformation, inclusive leadership, and a vision for a nature-positive future are shaping WWF’s global conservation strategy, with our guest Daudi Sumba. What does it take to lead one of the world’s most influential conservation organisations during a time of ecological crisis and transformation? And how do you align 100+ countries, thousands of staff,
How community-based conservation is helping protect Kenya’s last known giant ground pangolins—with our guest Beryl Makori of The Pangolin Project. What does it take to save a species so elusive it was thought extinct in a country for decades? And how do you build trust, change behaviors, and create conservation impact in just a few
How One Caribbean Biologist is Shaping the Future of Conservation From Cambridge to the Tropics. In this episode of the Conservation Careers Podcast, we speak with Dr Howard Nelson—Lecturer in Conservation Leadership at Fauna & Flora International and the University of Cambridge. Howard brings over 30 years of experience across the Caribbean and the UK,
How Nick Bubb Combines Fundraising, Empowerment, and a Life of Adventure to Guide One of Africa’s Leading Conservation Charities, Tusk. What’s it like to lead one of Africa’s most influential conservation charities? How do you support grassroots leaders across a continent while balancing fundraising, strategy, and your own wellbeing? And how can a mid-career pivot
How aspiring and mid-career conservationists can land their dream roles and make a real impact, with Dr Nick Askew. What does it really take to build a meaningful, impactful career in conservation – and how can we better support the next generation of conservationists to succeed? Our very own Director, Dr Nick Askew, joins as
How Conscious Explorer is transforming travel into a powerful force for conservation and community development, with Daniel Kaul. Can travel be more than just an escape? How can tourism actively contribute to conservation and community well-being? And what does ethical, sustainable travel truly look like? Today’s guest is Daniel Kaul, founder of Conscious Explorer and
How Turtle Watch Egypt Engages Citizen Scientists, Dive Centers, and Local Communities to Protect Marine Turtles, With Micol Montagna. What’s it like to study and protect turtles in the stunning waters of Egypt’s Red Sea? How can citizen scientists and local communities play a key role in marine conservation? And what are the biggest threats
How Career Coach John Tarnoff Helps Professionals Navigate Change, Find Purpose, and Build Meaningful Careers in Conservation and Beyond. What if midlife wasn’t a crisis but an opportunity? How can professionals transition into conservation careers later in life? And what does it take to reinvent yourself for a career with purpose? Today’s guest is John
What does it take to rewild a nation? How can restoring nature also regenerate communities and economies? And what’s the future of rewilding as a career path? Today’s guest is Rebecca Wrigley, Chief Executive and co-founder of Rewilding Britain. With over 23 years of experience in conservation and community development, Rebecca has led Rewilding Britain’s
Lessons From Four Decades of BirdLife International: Richard Grimmett on Conservation Success and Challenges. How does a passion for birds turn into a lifelong career in global conservation? And what can four decades of experience teach us about the evolution of biodiversity efforts? Today’s guest is Richard Grimmett, Senior Conservation Adviser at BirdLife International, where
How can we restore biodiversity while balancing the needs of people and wildlife? And what can large carnivores teach us about coexistence and environmental harmony? Today’s guest is Jonny Hanson, environmental social scientist, conservationist, and author of Living with Lynx: Sharing Landscapes with Big Cats, Wolves, and Bears. Jonny brings a unique perspective to conservation,
How do you transform landscapes, restore biodiversity and reconnect people with nature – all at scale? And what does it take to build a pioneering conservation initiative from scratch? Today’s guest is Frans Schepers, co-founder and Executive Director of Rewilding Europe. Frans has dedicated over a decade to leading rewilding efforts across Europe, turning ambitious
How can campaigning lead to transformative leadership in conservation? And what role do cross-sector partnerships play in scaling biodiversity impact? Today’s guest is Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England and one of the UK’s most prominent voices in nature conservation. He’s been described as ‘the most effective of Britain’s eco-warriors’ and ‘one of the top
Today’s guest is Sir William Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission (England). Sir William shares his rich experience in forestry management, conservation, and the evolving mission of the Forestry Commission since its founding in 1919. In our chat, we discuss the Commission’s role in afforestation, timber production and wildlife conservation, and the importance of balanced
