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 life-long passion for the natural world and sustainability, Claire began her career in advertising and marketing in London, followed by several years at an environmental charity working on strategy, communications, events and fundraising.
When she and her husband James took over Doddington Hall from her parents, Claire applied this experience and passion to re-invigorating the historic house and wider estate for the twenty-first century, from restoring the walled kitchen garden for the farm shop and café to projects such as tapestry conservation, renewable energy, new businesses and Wilder Doddington itself. Claire champions a natural capital approach, helping the estate demonstrate the ecological, social and economic value of nature recovery.
David heads up Doddington’s Wilder Connections project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund – developing 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 the development of natural capital and other nature-related projects across the estate.
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 a number of renewable energy companies, bringing valuable experience in sustainable land management to the Wilder Doddington project.
Isobel leads the Wilder Doddington project and ‘holds the vision’, being responsible for nature restoration using natural processes across the whole estate. Coming from a small family farm, she studied agriculture and has always focused on the wider picture of sustainability, nature recovery and climate resilience.
Her aim is to find that sweet spot where we can produce nutritious food in a way that also increases biodiversity, delivers clean water and air, and improves soil health. Layered on top of that are the challenges of climate change, flood and drought mitigation, and creating connections to nature, food and outdoor wellbeing for local communities in and around Lincolnshire.
Before driving Wilder Doddington, Isobel worked as an agricultural and organic agriculture consultant, most recently teaching and carrying out research at the University of Lincoln. She is planning 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 happy band 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 a 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 such as the National Trust, Severn Trent Water and the Peak District National Park Authority.
He was the RSPB’s People Engagement Manager for the North of England and, more recently, Head of Public Engagement and Communications for Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. His enthusiasm for sharing his love of wildlife has taken him around the world as a nature guide for a leading wildlife tour company.
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 the Wilder Doddington project 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.
Helena leads community engagement and learning within the Wilder Doddington landscape. Born and raised in Lincoln, she knows the local community well. She previously worked on a 2.5-acre community garden in the city, so arriving at Wilder Doddington’s 1,900 acres was a very different experience.
Helena is a strong advocate for being connected to nature and how this can impact our wellbeing and sense of belonging. She enjoys working with the team to create a diary of events that welcomes schools, local community groups and families, enabling them to enjoy and learn about the rewilding, and feel the awe and wonder that can be experienced at Wilder Doddington.
Rosie has over 10 years’ experience working in outdoor learning settings across the UK, predominantly delivering to school and college groups for the Field Studies Council. She has also worked with SEND students across a variety of settings, both inside and outside the classroom.
With a curiosity for nature and the landscape, a degree in Geography and Mathematics, as well as a Master’s in Education focusing on Special Education, Rosie inspires students to question and discover the world around them. At Wilder Doddington she designs and delivers curriculum-linked outdoor learning, helping young people connect to nature, engage with rewilding and the wider environment first-hand.
Lisa has joined Wilder Doddington with over 10 years’ experience working in the culture service for Lincolnshire County Council. This has included delivering historical and art-inspired workshops and tours to participants from schools and other educational settings. She also has experience of delivering engaging and curriculum-based learning sessions for English Heritage.
Lisa encourages students to get involved and get creative while discovering the landscape and nature around them. At Wilder Doddington she supports education delivery, manages bookings, helps to coordinate volunteers and assists visiting groups, ensuring that visits to the rewilding project are welcoming, well-organised and memorable.
