Dr Tom Tew
Tom Tew is the founding Director, co-owner and CEO of NatureSpace. Tom trained as an ecologist, with a DPhil from, and post-doc research career at, Oxford University. Tom spent half a lifetime working for Natural England and its predecessors, with his last statutory role on Natural England’s Executive Board as their Chief Scientist. Tom was CEO and co-owner of Environment Bank for 5 years before setting up NatureSpace in 2017. He coined the phrase ‘better, bigger, more & joined’ when on John Lawton’s Making Space for Nature panel, and was named on the 2023 ENDS ‘Environmental Power list 100’.
Tom has always volunteered freely for nature and has held non-Executive roles as Chair of the Vincent Wildlife Trust for a decade, Board member of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and, on the Board of the National Trust. Any remaining spare time is exhausted by being taken for walks by his spaniel.
Sarah Garratt
With a law degree and postgraduate studies in ecology and environmental management, Sarah has specialised in protected species, licensing and planning for over twenty years. Previously a senior specialist in Natural England’s licensing team, and with experience in local government and the private sector, Sarah was instrumental in setting up the NatureSpace scheme, from inception in 2017 to the present day. Sarah is the Chief Strategic Officer for NatureSpace and oversees expansion, data and systems and science. Sarah is keen to help restore nature by ensuring economic growth is sustainable, using tech-enabled solutions, effective partnerships and the latest available evidence to deliver impactful conservation action.
Mike Bull
As the Manager of the Programme Team, Mike oversees company exploration of new workstreams, engages in their technical design and collaborative partnership working and undertakes their formal project management. Having joined NatureSpace when the first licence was obtained in 2018, Mike has been involved in scheme design and improvement, key projects including database development and Organisational Licence set up, and the effective scaling of the Technical Team and coaching and development of it's senior staff.
Mike has a BSc in Zoology and an MSc in Biodiversity Conservation, as well as APM's Project Management Qualification. Having enjoyed early career roles in recruitment, research and ecological consultancy Mike is now focused on effective utilisation of this broad background and skillset to deliver high-quality, high integrity environmental outcomes through NatureSpace's expert-led schemes.
Ali Small
Ali is responsible for information technology initiatives and strategy across the company. She manages a team with diverse responsibilities, focused on optimising operations, fostering efficiency and driving growth through effective data management, information accessibility, cost effectivity and cross company risk management. She initially trained as a scientist, gaining a MSci from the University of Southampton and spending several years in conservation research before transitioning into a specialised career in data management and technology. She joined NatureSpace in 2021.
Dr Andrew Buxton
Andrew has held several roles across the partnership dating back to the initial concept phase. Andrew is currently manager of the Science Team and takes the role of ecological lead for the scheme. He is responsible for the statistical modelling on which the scheme is based, and the application and renewal of scheme level licences, as well as the outcome evaluation of District Licensing Schemes, both ecologically and from a planning perspective. Andrew also oversees our Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) workstream, is responsible for the development of new work programs, and how District Licensing interacts with wider nature markets. Andrew’s past roles within the partnership have been wide ranging and has included the delivery of habitat creation, development and delivery of the scheme monitoring programme, communication of the scheme to the scientific community and statistical modelling on which the scheme is based. Andrew has a PhD and Postdoc in great crested newt ecology, survey, and monitoring from the University of Kent, with a considerable number of peer reviewed publications on the subject. Outside of the scheme Andrew has held roles in Nature Conservation NGOs, been an ecological consultant, University Researcher and University Lecturer.
Andrew’s past roles within the partnership have been wide ranging and has included the delivery of habitat creation, development and delivery of the scheme monitoring programme, communication of the scheme to the scientific community and statistical modelling on which the scheme is based. Andrew has a PhD and Postdoc in great crested newt ecology, survey, and monitoring from the University of Kent, with a considerable number of peer reviewed publications on the subject. Outside of the scheme Andrew has held roles in Nature Conservation NGOs, been an ecological consultant, University Researcher and University Lecturer.
Emma Lawson
Emma is an experienced Town Planner with an environmental management background, who has worked in both the public and the private sectors. After completing her degree in Environmental Studies and Geography she went on to gain a Postgraduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning, working for several local planning authorities before jointly running a private planning consultancy for over 10 years. She joined NatureSpace in May 2021, initially as a District Licencing Officer for Staffordshire, progressing to Senior Planning Specialist to provide planning advice, support and training for all the NatureSpace District Licencing Scheme areas, as well as feeding into national, regional and local strategies. Utilising her skills and experience to date, Emma now manages the Business Support Team which is dedicated to enabling the company to efficiently achieve its aims and objectives. Her team covers a wide remit of roles including planning and communications, providing essential support across all teams, and ensuring a high level of service for the company as a whole.
Rowan Avery
As the manager of the Technical Team, Rowan oversees the delivery of casework assessments, client liaison and key company projects for process improvement. Rowan joined NatureSpace in 2019, and previously worked as a technical officer, then as a senior technical officer, where he lead on large-scale District Licence projects before specialising in Organisational Licensing, spearheading collaboration with organisations such as National Highways. Rowan’s background is in planning and environmental management, having graduated with an MSc from the University of Manchester. Prior to joining NatureSpace, Rowan spent time as a trainee at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Paul Stephen
Paul has a BSc in Environmental Biology and an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation. He has extensive experience in the ecological sector, having worked in both ecological consultancy and for the RSPB, where he specialised in urban biodiversity and working with developers to deliver more wildlife-rich spaces. He co-authored the NHBC’s Biodiversity in new housing developments guidance book. He joined NatureSpace as a District Licensing Officer in October 2022 and has since progressed to Senior DLO and now Operations Manager.
Sam Ellis
Sam is an experienced senior operational and commercial leader with 20 years' experience delivering growth across scale-ups, SMEs and PLCs in the private sector. EMBA-qualified, he specialises in translating strategy into execution across operations, go-to-market, marketing and product to drive profitability, scalability and sustainable performance.
He joined NatureSpace in April 2026 as Chief Operating Officer, after leading and running investor-backed businesses including his own start-up, where he delivered growth under tight capital and execution constraints. He is responsible for our Technical and Operations functions, reporting to the CEO.
Sam founded a B Corporation, and is passionate about improving biodiversity and conservation outcomes, while supporting development that fully compensates for its ecological impact. In his spare time, he is a Trustee of the Fitzwygram Foundation and the long suffering manager of a Teddington Athletic youth football team.
Caroline Leighton
Caroline has a degree in Geography which included a six month period working with Lancashire Wildlife Trust surveying ponds for the presence of newts. She brings 25 years of business experience, including 10 years working for a global logistics company on contracts including Esso, Shell and Scottish Courage. Most recently, she has spent four years working in the motor trade. Caroline joined NatureSpace in January 2024 as Business Support Officer.
Claire Northrop
Claire has a degree in Geography and joined the NatureSpace team in August 2024 as a Trainee Planning Specialist. She has most recently worked within the Planning Support Team for a Local Authority, assisting across many aspects of the planning process. She has a keen interest in nature and conservation.
Abigail Hackland
Graduating with a BA (Hons) in Environmental Policy and an MSc in Historic Conservation, Abigail is an experienced town planner having worked as a local authority development management officer, a private planning consultant and as a planning advisor in the conservation and environmental sectors. As an Assistant Planning Specialist within the Business Support Team, Abigail provides planning advice and support across the company, as well as responding to local, regional and national planning consultations. She works closely with the Science Team, providing planning expertise to support new work programs, such as the Section 41 Scheme. Abigail joined NatureSpace in September 2024.
Lex Reader
With a background in both communications and ecology, Lex is passionate about promoting NatureSpace Partnership’s mission. Lex’s experience in marketing informs her thoughtful, pragmatic approach to developing effective communication strategies. Lex also has hands-on experience in surveying protected species, including great crested newts, sand lizards and bats, and she currently volunteers coordinating local wildlife conservation efforts for common toads. Lex joined the team in November 2024.
Sophie Walpole
Sophie has a degree in Countryside Conservation and has spent many years gaining practical and surveying experience working for the Wildlife Trusts. In more recent years, Sophie gained business experience working within a Film and Television Design Guild and is very pleased to now be able to return to conservation, an area she is exceptionally passionate about. Sophie joined NatureSpace as Business Support Assistant in February 2025.
Zoe Toplis
Zoe has a background in communication and administration, with a BA (Hons) in Screenwriting. Having years of experience as an administrator, organising training events across the UK and working in country-wide logistics, she decided to change her career focus towards conservation. Zoe joined NatureSpace in October 2025 so she could use her accrued skills for the environment’s benefit.
Maria Taylor
Maria studied Marine Biology to Masters level at university, then worked in multiple South Atlantic Overseas Territories. Here she carried out the assessment of Key Biodiversity Areas across four of the territories and was part of multiple cetacean population assessment projects. More recently she has completed a Masters in Geographic Information Systems. She joined the NatureSpace technical team in April 2022.
Amy Millington
Amy has a degree in Geography and joined the team as Business Support Officer in April 2022 to support all areas of the growing business. Amy brings a wealth of knowledge in database management, office management, websites, finance, communications, research and international event organisation. From November 2023 Amy was promoted to Data Manager and is responsible for the data management within NatureSpace, ensuring high-quality data is maintained throughout the organisation.
Scott Probert
Scott joined NatureSpace as the West Oxfordshire and Cotswold District Council’s District Licencing Officer in January 2021, before joining the core NSP team as a Data Officer in November 2021. He has a background in Environmental Science and Wildlife Conservation, having studied both subjects at university as an undergraduate and a mature student. Prior to returning to full-time education, Scott worked for a FTSE 100 Wealth Management company as a Funds Analyst. He now incorporates this knowledge and experience into his role as a Data Officer for NatureSpace.
Caitlin Bolton
Caitlin has a background in Marine Biology, with a masters in Ecosystem Management and a focus on statistical analysis. She is a keen scuba diver and has undertaken field surveys of coral reefs in Honduras during her postgraduate degree. Caitlin has worked as a data analyst in the pharmaceutical industry building her data management skills before deciding to return to conservation and joining NatureSpace in January 2023.
Liam Crismani
Liam has a degree in Environmental Science with a focus on Soil Science. He joined NatureSpace in July 2023 as part of the Data team, assisting with data management.
Katherine Kinlocke
Katherine has a MSc. in Computer Science and gained extensive experience in CRM systems, data management and business analysis while working in the IT industry. She is applying these skills to the maintenance of data quality standards and integration across NatureSpace.
Imogen Badrock
Imogen brings extensive experience in database and systems management, supporting data analysis, process design, and technical support whilst working in the charity sector. Starting at NatureSpace in 2026, she hopes to combine her experience and skills regarding data with her passion for nature recovery to support the data team and wider company to maintain and improve our use of data systems.
Anthony Giles
Anthony made the leap into Information Technology in 2025, after over 20 years within the creative arts and education sectors. He has worked in a wide variety of roles, from project manager and business developer to creative musician and artist. As a keen chess player, he loves problem solving. Anthony's main goal in life is to help others by sharing what he knows.
Indea Chawk
Indea joined NatureSpace in 2018, following a change of career from a trained science teacher. She worked as the District Licencing Officer for Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough Councils, supporting the scheme across the Bedfordshire region. In 2019, Indea moved to work for NatureSpace and helped to manage and support the expansion of the licence across the South Midlands area. After returning from work from Maternity leave in 2021, Indea works alongside the Operations Manager as the Senior Operations Officer, helping support the operations team and the District Licensing Officer with their day-to-day activities.
Katie Rees
Katie has over 7 years experience in the environmental sector, including as an ecological consultant, specialising in great crested newts and botany. She is a member of CIEEM, holds a level 2 GCN licence and has a level 3 FISC certificate. Katie Joined NatureSpace in September 2021 as the Gloucestershire District Licencing Officer. Now as a Senior District Licencing Officer, Katie oversees the delivery of the District Licence Scheme in Staffordshire, Berkshire and Surrey.
Rosanna Lee
Rosanna has a background in environmental education and community engagement. Throughout her studies in Zoology, she lived and worked as a wildlife researcher in Borneo. Since then, Rosanna has focussed on engaging the community in outdoor learning where she has designed and led award-winning nature courses. Rosanna then went onto to join NatureSpace in October 2022, where she has gained her great crested newt licence and CIEEM Membership and now takes a lead in supporting the Eastern region District Licencing team.
Chloe Roberts
Chloe studied Zoology with Psychology at University going on to work in science communication. She then went on to carry out a Masters in Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Evolution focusing on utilising data to create prediction models to tackle conservation issues. Chloe has since worked within ecological consultancy, ultimately focusing on Great Crested Newt mitigation projects. Chloe joined the NatureSpace Team in November 2021.
Tara O’Hara-Laslett
Tara graduated from university having studied Marine Biology and specialised in Elasmobranch populations across Indian Ocean Territory. Promoting sustainability and conservation has always been of great importance to her. She joined Nature Space in September 2022 as the first District Licence Officer for Surrey. She is embedded into Surrey Wildlife trusts team of ecologists giving detailed guidance on the District Licence Scheme and great crested newts.
Madeleine Wagstaff
Madeleine completed her MSC in Applied Ecology and then went on to work as a Field Ecologist. During Madeleine’s first season as a field ecologist, she obtained her Class 1 GCN surveying license and gained a multitude of experience with protected species surveying and as an Ecological Clerks of Works. Madeleine also has experience in habitat management and conservation including pond restoration through her many volunteering role and her extended level 3 diploma. Madeleine joined NatureSpace to kickstart her career development in October 2022 as an Assistant District Licencing Officer.
Katie Ewers
Katie studied at the University of Exeter, graduating with a BSc in Zoology. During her time at University, Katie developed a passion for nature and how we can work towards conserving it in our changing world. Since completing her degree, Katie has worked as a Field Ecologist, conducting species surveys across the United Kingdom, where her interest in amphibians started. Katie joined NatureSpace as a District Licensing Officer in 2023 and now uses her expertise from her time as an ecologist, along with the skills she has developed in post, to assist Councils and developers with great crested newt licensing.
Jonathan Groom
Jonathan has always had a passion for wildlife and studied his BSc in Zoology at Bangor followed by MSc in Conservation Biology at Manchester Metropolitan. During this time, he travelled to Kenya to study and experience the incredible wildlife of Africa. This stimulated a desire for travel, and he has been lucky enough to visit many countries and continents including New Zealand, the Middle East, more of Africa and working for a year on a conservation project in Costa Rica. Following this he has developed a career in conservation working for the RSPB, local government and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, mainly focused on his specialism in ornithology but covering a variety of subjects such as habitats, botany, planning ecology and GIS. Jonathan is also actively involved as a volunteer in local projects and has been a Regional Organiser for the BTO for 7 years. Jonathan spent 2022 working with the Newt Conservation Partnership delivering new pond creation in Staffordshire, and in June 2023 joined NatureSpace as District Licencing Officer for Staffordshire.
Sam Hardy
Sam studied at Bangor University graduating with a BSc in Zoology with Conservation. During his time at university, he carried out fieldwork in the Western Ghats, a well-known biodiversity hotspot and perfectly complemented his interest in herpetology. He then progressed to lecture in further education at a wildlife hospital, dealing hands on with a range of different British wildlife. Following this he worked for Milton Keynes City Council as a Countryside Officer specialising in Great crested newt licensing before joining NatureSpace in 2025 using his experience to support the Operations Team.
Alexandra Marnerou
Alexandra graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in Zoology. Driven by her passion for wildlife and conservation, she has actively volunteered with various organisations. This included serving as a committee member for the Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group on a four-year term and assisting with the Great Crested Newt Monitoring project. Her professional journey included recently working as an assistant ecologist for an ecological consultancy company with specific focus on preliminary ecological appraisals, species surveys and assessments. Alexandra joined NatureSpace in June 2024 to provide day-to-day support to the wider operations team and District Licensing Officers.
Laura Downs
Laura has a BSc in Applied Zoology and an MSc in Entomology. She has previously worked with the Field Studies Council as a placement student assisting with environmental education and has volunteered with the Butterfly Conservation Trust and with the Wildlife Trust (BBOWT). She joined NatureSpace in June 2024 as an Assistant District Licensing Officer and is now the West Sussex District Licensing Officer as of September 2025.
Emily Hawkes
Emily graduated from the University of East Anglia with a MSc in Applied Ecology and Conservation. During her studies she conducted fieldwork in Peru, Ireland and across the Brecklands, expanding her interest in practical ecological survey methods. She has previously worked for Greater London’s Local Environmental Records Centre and the Greater London Authority to help deliver London’s first Local Nature Recovery Strategy. She joined NatureSpace Partnership in October 2025, providing support to the wider operations team and district licensing officers.
Joshua Harwood
Josh studied Zoology with Herpetology at from Bangor University. Following his graduation Josh Spent six months as a field surveyor studying the spatial ecology of spitting Cobras in northern Thailand before returning to the UK where he worked as an ecological consultant in the southeast for over six years. He is a member of CIEEM and holds a class 1 GCN licence. Josh joined NatureSpace in January 2026 as the District Licensing officer for Hampshire & the Isle of Wight.'
Molly Thompson
Molly has a background in zoology with an independently led research project on captive lemur behaviour and hierarchy. She is a keen conservationist, undertaking turtle rehabilitation and conservation work in Thailand, and monitoring pangolin populations in the Khura Buri District. Molly then worked as an assistant ecologist in the consulting industry, building her UK flora and fauna species knowledge, before starting work with NatureSpace in January 2025.
Alex Burrows
Alex has a BSc in Environmental Biology and an MRes in Ecology, as well as a personal licence to survey for great crested newts. He previously worked as an ecological consultant for over five years, during which time he gained experience working as an Accredited Agent under multiple great crested newt European Protected Species mitigation licences, for a range of projects including residential, highways, rail, and other large infrastructure. Alex joined NatureSpace in August 2024.
Connie Martin
Connie graduated from the University of Chester, where she studied Conservation Biology. Connie has gained experience working on conservation efforts in both Grenada and Spain before going on to work as a field surveyor for an ecological consultancy, collecting data on a range of British Species. Connie joined NatureSpace in 2021 as part of the operations team before moving into the Programme team as the Conservation Strategy Senior working on the company’s expansion into wider conservation efforts.
Lara Sansun
Lara has a Zoology with Conservation Degree and has previously worked in both practical conservation with active nature reserve management and in ecological consultancy. Lara joined NatureSpace in April 2022, originally carrying out technical impact assessments and is now leading the delivery of integrated Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
Piera Coleman
Piera graduated from the University of the West of England with a BSc in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science. Throughout her degree and in her subsequent work as a field surveyor, Piera has gained survey experience for a range of British species but has a particular passion for birds. She joined the NatureSpace team in October 2024 as a Section 41 Project Officer.
Robbie Whiteside
Robbie has a BSc in Biology and an MSc in Environmental Science, with a focus on geospatial analysis and research. He joined NatureSpace in October 2022 carrying out technical impact assessments and now leads assessment strategy development within the strategic species programme.
Matt Blee
Matt has a BSc in Biological Sciences and an MSc in Species Identification and Survey Skills. He has worked as a wildlife surveyor, an aquarist and an ecological consultant, and joined NatureSpace in 2021 as the Berkshire District Licencing Officer. In his current role as Senior Licensing Officer he manages the licence application and renewal process, and works on updating and expanding the licensing scheme.
Dr Aidan Mackay
Aidan is an experienced ecologist with an in-depth knowledge of spatial ecology. Within NatureSpace Aidan’s role is to model the distribution of great crested newts and create impact risk zones (IRZs) which assess habitat suitability for great crested newts. Aidan developed his interest in modelling during his PhD research which used species distribution modelling to investigate the relationship between native amphibian species and a non-native frog. Prior to joining NatureSpace Aidan worked as an environmental consultant for 14 years and gained expertise in a range of ecological survey planning and techniques.
Dr Jennifer Crees
Jen has extensive research experience, with a PhD from Imperial College London and postdoctoral positions at ZSL and the Natural History Museum. Her research has been wide-ranging, from macroecological analysis of species distribution and extinction, to assessing the outcomes of conservation recovery programmes and informing species reintroductions. Jen originally joined NatureSpace as Technical Officer in September 2022. She now leads NatureSpace’s evaluation work, assessing the ecological and operational outcomes of the great crested newt licensing schemes.
Jennie Shea
Jennie has a BSc in Animal Behaviour and an MSc in Zoo Conservation Biology. During her time as a postgraduate, she undertook field surveys of frogs in Ecuador and collected environmental data to better inform habitat conservation. She went on to lecture in further and higher education, with a subject specialism of ecology and conservation. She is a council member of the British Herpetological Society and volunteers with national herpetological research projects. She joined NatureSpace in January 2023.
Karolina Gajewska
Karolina graduated from Warsaw University of Life Sciences with an MSc degree in functioning and protection of the natural environment and has developed a passion for amphibian conservation, identification, and surveying techniques through undertaking research and commercial development surveys. She proceeded to work on several EU-funded species conservation projects as Finance Officer in the NGO sector. Prior to joining the NatureSpace team in July 2023, Karolina gained experience in GIS, working with ornithological radar systems and spatial distribution of protected species.
Marcus Betts
Marcus has a background in Geography and joined NatureSpace as a Technical Officer in September 2020 after completing a Masters in GIS in the Netherlands. As NatureSpace expands, his primary role is leading on all technical aspects of the District Licence, supporting the technical team on a wide range of development projects and liaising with clients as they navigate the District Licensing Scheme.
Sarah Richardson
Sarah has a background in Zoology with a masters in Biodiversity and Conservation. Sarah joined NatureSpace as a technical officer in 2021 and now leads on delivering Network Rail’s Organisational Licence. Following the national expansion of the scheme, Sarah supports the team in ensuring projects are covered under the Licence swiftly and smoothly.
Frances Bennett
Frances is an environmental scientist with a masters degree in Freshwater and Marine Ecology. Before joining NatureSpace as Technical Officer in September 2022, she worked as an ecologist in environmental consultancy and as a research scientist, where she worked to develop novel DNA-based solutions to issues associated with traditional biomonitoring approaches.
Tom Winter
Tom has a degree in Ecology and Conservation and over 5 years experience in ecological consultancy, surveying for protected species and European protected species license contracting works. Tom completed his MA in Wildlife Documentary Production in 2018 and has since gone on to join the teams of several large scale factual wildlife entertainment programmes. He joined the NatureSpace technical team in June 2021, handling district license queries and carrying out technical impact assessments for proposed developments.
Louise Masters
Louise has a background in local government and a degree in Natural Sciences. She completed her MSc in Conservation Biology in 2019 and is experienced in surveying for reptiles and amphibians. She joined the NatureSpace team in September 2022.
Ed Crawshaw
Ed studied an Environmental Hazards Bachelors degree before completing a Masters in Biodiversity Conservation. His postgraduate course was focussed on protected species surveying, and for his research project he assessed the survey protocol of a nation-wide hedgehog survey scheme. After this he worked with an ecological consultancy, predominantly on a large amphibian and reptile translocation project, before working for a major UK conservation charity coordinating a national public engagement scheme. Ed joined the technical team in September 2022.
Maya Master
Maya has an extensive background in reptile and amphibian conservation following 10 years of scientific study and research station management across the globe. After her MSc, Maya assisted in a sand lizard reintroduction program and continues to contribute to key UK sand lizard and adder research. Following two years of doctoral research in herpetology through COVID, Maya worked for a popular streaming service to produce natural history television before joining NatureSpace’s Technical Team in January 2024.
Louise Hawkins
Louise has a background in local government and a degree in Natural Sciences. She completed her MSc in Conservation Biology in 2019 and is experienced in surveying for reptiles and amphibians. She joined the NatureSpace team in September 2022.
Maria Watson
Maria has a BSc in Zoology, and completed an MSc by Research which focused on the effects of microplastics and climate change on the sensory ecology of aquatic species. During her studies she pursued research expeditions to Peru in order to compare herptile survey methodologies. Before joining the NatureSpace technical team in January 2024, Maria worked in admissions and partnership management for higher education institutions.
Matthew John
Matthew has a BSc in Natural History and an MSc in Wildlife Conservation from the University of South Wales. He has volunteered for conservation projects in Costa Rica and Botswana, and as a research assistant in South Africa and Madagascar. He worked in ecological consultancy for one year, which mainly involved surveying for protected species, including great crested newts. Matthew is now focusing on his passion for GIS as a Technical Officer for NatureSpace.
Ina Ellison Dos Anjos
Ina studied her masters in Global Ecology and Wildlife Conservation. She focused her Masters project on freshwater pollution and investigated the spatial variation of microplastics found within freshwater invertebrates. She then went on to work at an ecological records centre, and her main responsibilities were re-formatting large species datasets and collating and managing habitat data.
Phillipa Bates
Phillipa has completed a BSc in animal biology and a MRes in Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation. She completed her MRes thesis on red fox diet in Cyprus which contributed to her obtaining the best-in-class award. Between her degrees she has worked as an ecological consultant and as a freshwater research assistant and has completed various forms of protected species monitoring across the UK, Norway, Cyprus and Costa Rica. She joined NatureSpace as part of the technical team in September 2024.
Evie Jenkin
Evie has a BSc in Animal Biology and MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity. Evie’s postgraduate thesis compared traits of native and non-native terrestrial vertebrates in the UK Overseas Territories. Before this, Evie volunteered in Borneo and Kenya and researched rhino behaviour in South Africa. Evie joined NatureSpace in September 2024 as a Trainee Technical Officer.
Yazmin Pullen
Yazmin completed an MSci in Conservation Biology and Ecology with the University of Exeter in 2018. She then went on to work in the teaching laboratory at the same university, assisting with teaching on a variety of bioscience and geography undergraduate and master’s level lab and field sessions. She joined the Technical Team at the NatureSpace Partnership as a Trainee Technical Officer in August 2024.
Rebecca Crick
Becca has a BSc in Physical Geography and an MSc(Res) in Polar and Alpine Change. Her research focused on the impacts of climate change on the Greenland Ice Sheet, including its hydrology, sediment dynamics, and delta systems. Throughout her studies, she applied geospatial analysis and statistical methods to explore changes in these areas and gained field experience in Greenland. After completing her postgraduate degree, Becca worked as a research assistant in hydrology, studying runoff and erosion dynamics. Becca joined the NatureSpace Technical Team in September 2024.
Aydan Khan
Aydan has a BSc in Biology with a focus on conservation and ecology. He has field experience from conservation research in Ecuador and later worked in green infrastructure on green roof projects. He went on to become an Assistant Ecologist, conducting protected species surveys, and then a Project Officer with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, working with landowners to deliver targeted habitat improvements. Aydan joined NatureSpace in November 2025 as a Trainee Technical Officer.
Charlie Folkesson
Charlie is a Chartered Biologist with over 8 years of experience in environmental consultancy. Before joining the NatureSpace technical team in November 2025, Charlie worked across infrastructure and energy projects, including as a wetlands specialist in British Columbia and a freelance ecologist on Transport for Wales railway electrification project. Charlie also holds a degree in Wildlife Filmmaking and has contributed to several natural history programmes.
Loren Choy
Loren has an MSC in Environmental Consultancy and has been involved in habitat surveys and ecological field work. He is interested in practical, evidence based conservation and joined NatureSpace in November 2025. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling and music production.
Sophie Bechtel
Sophie has a BSc in Biology and an MSc in Applied Wildlife Conservation. After interning with an international NGO in Spain to research anthropogenic impacts on bottlenose dolphins and other marine mammals, she broadened her understanding of wildlife conservation through international travel. She joined NatureSpace as a Trainee Technical Officer in 2025, where she combines her experience in GIS with her passion for improving conservation outcomes for protected species.
