From rewilding and natural capital projects to education, community engagement and volunteering, each member of the Wilder Doddington team plays a key role in shaping long-term nature recovery.
With a degree in Geography from Cambridge and a lifelong passion for the natural world and sustainability, Claire began her career in advertising and marketing in London before working for several years at an environmental charity, focusing on strategy, communications, events and fundraising.
When she and her husband James took over Doddington Hall from her parents, Claire applied this experience to reinvigorating the historic house and wider estate for the twenty-first century. This included restoring the walled kitchen garden for the Farm Shop and Café, tapestry conservation, renewable energy projects, new businesses and the development of Wilder Doddington.
Claire champions a natural capital approach, helping the estate demonstrate the ecological, social and economic value of nature recovery, including through the creation of Biodiversity Net Gain habitat banks at Wilder Doddington.
David heads up the Wilder Connections project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. He develops engagement with nature at Wilder Doddington across a wide and diverse audience, including schools, community groups and visitors from further afield.
He is also closely involved in natural capital and other nature-related projects across the estate, including Biodiversity Net Gain. Previously, David was managing partner at JHWalter, land agents and consultants, before setting up his own consultancy practice.
He also has interests in a large organic dairy herd and renewable energy companies, bringing valuable experience in sustainable land management.
Isobel leads the Wilder Doddington project and helps hold the long-term vision for nature restoration across the estate, including Biodiversity Net Gain habitat unit management. Coming from a small family farm, she studied agriculture and has always focused on sustainability, nature recovery and climate resilience.
Her aim is to find the balance between producing nutritious food, increasing biodiversity, delivering clean water and air, improving soil health and supporting climate resilience. Isobel previously worked as an agricultural and organic agriculture consultant, most recently teaching and carrying out research at the University of Lincoln.
She is helping to shape Wilder Doddington as a long-term rewilding and nature restoration project for the next 10, 100 and even 400 years.
Heather works across the estate, carrying out the practical work associated with nature recovery. This includes day-to-day maintenance and repairs, monitoring and wildlife surveying. She also runs the Wilder Doddington volunteer programme, managing, training and supervising a dedicated group of volunteers who help care for the land and its wildlife.
Heather’s background is as varied as her current role, ranging from helicopter engineering in the RAF to surveying hippos in Malawi and working on a cattle farm in Finland. This mix of practical skills, problem-solving and passion for wildlife makes her an ideal ranger for a changing landscape.
Matthew is our Conservation Adviser and helps to deliver the ecological vision for Wilder Doddington. He provides expert advice on conservation management across the estate, helping to guide decision-making for habitats, species and long-term nature recovery.
He has been involved in nature conservation for many years, including managing several nature reserves for the RSPB. Matthew is also passionate about connecting people with nature and has delivered education and engagement activities for organisations including the National Trust, Severn Trent Water and the Peak District National Park Authority.
He was previously the RSPB’s People Engagement Manager for the North of England and Head of Public Engagement and Communications for Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.
Emma joined Wilder Doddington after working as PA to Charlie Burrell at the pioneering rewilding project at the Knepp Estate in West Sussex.
She has worked with the Moorland Mousie Trust to introduce Exmoor ponies to Wilder Doddington and is developing the safari and guided walk programme. Emma’s organisational skills help keep the project running smoothly, supporting visitors, the team and a growing range of nature-based activities.
Rosie leads the delivery of school, community and Alternative Provision visits at Wilder Doddington, ensuring sessions are designed to meet participants’ needs. She works with visiting groups, supports the delivery team and builds long-term relationships with local schools.
An experienced outdoor learning professional, Rosie brings over 10 years’ experience working in outdoor learning settings across the UK, predominantly delivering sessions to school and college groups for the Field Studies Council. She has also worked with SEND students in a variety of settings, both inside and outside the classroom.
With a degree in Geography and Mathematics and a master’s degree in Education focusing on Special Education, Rosie helps young people connect with nature, engage with rewilding and experience the wider environment first-hand through outdoor learning.
Elizabeth delivers nature-based learning at Wilder Doddington, supporting school visits, Alternative Provision and the wider Wilder Connections programme.
Her career includes a dedicated focus on outdoor learning, having delivered nature-based programmes for Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and worked as a Learning Support Ranger within an environmental social enterprise. This experience is built on eight years in formal education, teaching across KS3, GCSE and A level.
Elizabeth is experienced in supporting learners with additional needs and those within Alternative Provision, adapting the National Curriculum into hands-on, sensory experiences. With a background in creative design, she is passionate about the role nature can play in supporting resilience, confidence and wellbeing.
At Wilder Doddington, Elizabeth helps students connect with nature, experience the landscape first-hand and engage with the nature recovery work taking place across the estate.
Megan supports the delivery of Alternative Provision at Wilder Doddington, helping students engage with learning through hands-on, nature-based experiences in the Wilder landscape.
After completing an integrated MSc in Psychology, Megan began training as an English teacher through the Teach First graduate scheme. During this time, she became SENCO at her trainee school and has since worked in SENCO roles across two mainstream schools and Local Authorities.
Megan has worked closely with external agencies to support students with Education, Health and Care Plans, including securing placements in Alternative Provision and specialist settings. She is passionate about supporting SEND learners and helping each young person access learning in a way that works for them.
She is continuing to develop this interest through an Educational Psychology PhD, which she begins in Norwich this September. Outside work, Megan enjoys walking, painting and playing hockey at Lindum Hockey Club.
Lisa joined Wilder Doddington with over 10 years’ experience working in the culture service for Lincolnshire County Council. This included delivering historical and art-inspired workshops and tours to participants from schools and other educational settings. She also has experience delivering engaging, curriculum-based learning sessions for English Heritage.
At Wilder Doddington, Lisa supports education delivery, manages bookings, helps to coordinate volunteers and assists visiting groups, ensuring visits are welcoming, well-organised and memorable.
