Natural Conservations Advisor

Nature conservation advisers provide practical advice to farmers, land managers, voluntary and private organizations on landscape and wildlife conservation. This advice may include suggestions for conserving existing landscape, wildlife and historical features, and encouraging the promotion of conservation locally.

The work involves assessing the wildlife and landscape value of different habitats and making appropriate recommendations for management. Typical work activities include: organizing visits, demonstrations and conferences, producing articles, giving talks to local groups, promoting understanding and appreciation of the conservation of the countryside, obtaining financial support and grant aid for conservation schemes, sitting on committees, writing reports.

Applicants usually require a relevant degree and should have substantial conservation experience. The Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) appoint farm conservation advisers on a county and regional basis throughout Britain. Amongst other things they promote the greater integration of landscape and nature conservation into land management among farmers, landowners and other land managers.

Nature conservation officers work to protect, manage and enhance the local environment. This can include grassland, woodland, forests, coastal areas, moorland, mountains and rivers. Depending on the region, officers might also work in marine habitats.

Part of their role is to encourage people to use the countryside and promote awareness of and understanding about the natural environment. They also develop policy which may have local and national impact. In conjunction with their counterparts in other voluntary and statutory organizations they set and promote targets within national biodiversity action plans and advise and negotiate with employers.

With a remit to educate and raise awareness of environmental issues, nature conservation officers work with all sectors of the local community including local schools and colleges. Job titles within this sector are varied and include: sustainable development officers, project officers or biodiversity officers, conservation assistants and technicians.

Promoting and implementing local and national biodiversity action plans in partnership with local/national statutory and voluntary organizations, contributing to planning and policy development for sustainable management, including input in environmental impact assessments, providing advice to clients, community groups, landowners, planners and developers, dealing with enquiries from the public, educating young people, and those considering entering the profession, through talks and seminars to local colleges and universities.