Ian leads the Wilder Doddington team and helps hold the long-term vision for nature recovery across the estate. Putting nature first and working towards a sustainable future at Doddington, he is focused on finding the right balance between producing nutritious food, increasing biodiversity, delivering clean water and air and building climate resilience, while exploring nature markets and emerging funding models.

Ian comes from a woodland management background and previously led operational teams for the Woodland Trust. Used to thinking in ‘tree time’, he is well placed to embrace Wilder Doddington’s 400-year vision for nature, people and the landscape.

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.

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, helping to deliver Doddington’s ecological vision. He has many years’ experience in nature conservation, including managing several RSPB reserves and leading education, engagement and public-facing work for organisations including the National Trust, Severn Trent Water, the Peak District National Park Authority and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.

Passionate about connecting people with nature, Matthew brings a broad understanding of wildlife, conservation and engagement to Wilder Doddington. His love of wildlife has also 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 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.

Bringing extensive experience of developing and delivering engaging learning experiences for different ages and needs, with over 10 years’ experience in outdoor learning, predominantly with the Field Studies Council, Rosie has worked with schools, colleges and SEND students in a wide range of indoor and outdoor settings and is a qualified Forest School Leader. 

Leading the learning team, she ensures Wilder learning programmes build connection with nature while meeting participants’ needs. She also facilitates engagement sessions for groups and individuals of all ages.

After eight years of teaching across KS3, GCSE and A Level, Elizabeth moved into outdoor delivery of nature-based learning. She has experience supporting learners with additional needs and those in alternative provision, adapting the National Curriculum into practical, hands-on and sensory experiences. 

She delivers learning programmes that help students build confidence, curiosity and a stronger connection with nature through first-hand experiences in the landscape.

Lisa delivered historical and art-inspired workshops and tours for schools and other educational groups during more than 10 years with Lincolnshire County Council’s culture service. She has also delivered engaging, curriculum-based learning sessions for English Heritage.

She now supports learning delivery, encouraging students to discover the nature around them. She also manages bookings and helps coordinate volunteers, ensuring visits are welcoming, well organised and memorable.

Since qualifying as a teacher in 2012, Esther has worked across the education sector, most recently supporting students with social, emotional and mental health needs. She is also an experienced outdoor educator and Forest School Leader, with first-hand experience of the benefits of time in nature for young people’s wellbeing and connection with the natural world.

Her main focus is delivering the Wilder Horizons Alternative Provision programme through a trauma-informed, inclusive and often learner-led approach. She also supports delivery across the wider learning programmes.

Isobel was instrumental in shaping Wilder Doddington through its first five years, helping to turn an ambitious vision for nature recovery into a changing, living landscape. Leading the Wilder team and working with volunteers, mentors, students and our keystone animals, she helped establish the foundations for a project designed to evolve over generations.

Having retired from her full-time role after more than six years at Doddington, Isobel continues to support Wilder Doddington as a consultant, sharing the knowledge, experience and relationships built during those formative years.