News December 24, 2024 10 min read

Conservation Careers | Highlights from 2024

Like many conservationists, we spend most of our time focused on supporting people and the planet, and we rarely pause to celebrate our successes along the way. That’s why we’re dedicating this post to celebrating our achievements from 2024! We are incredibly proud of what we, as a team, along with our partners and global

Dr Nick Askew
Scientist Podcasts December 18, 2024 44 min read

Podcast | Building Bridges for Conservation: Dr Jonny Hanson’s Vision for Rewilding and Coexistence

How can we restore biodiversity while balancing the needs of people and wildlife? And what can large carnivores teach us about coexistence and environmental harmony? Today’s guest is Jonny Hanson, environmental social scientist, conservationist, and author of Living with Lynx: Sharing Landscapes with Big Cats, Wolves, and Bears. Jonny brings a unique perspective to conservation,

Dr Nick Askew
Podcasts Senior Level December 5, 2024 45 min read

Podcast | Rewilding Europe: Frans Schepers on restoring nature at scale

How do you transform landscapes, restore biodiversity and reconnect people with nature – all at scale? And what does it take to build a pioneering conservation initiative from scratch?  Today’s guest is Frans Schepers, co-founder and Executive Director of Rewilding Europe. Frans has dedicated over a decade to leading rewilding efforts across Europe, turning ambitious

Dr Nick Askew
Founders Desk November 25, 2024 3 min read

Optimism is exhausting… Do THIS instead

Last week, I had the immense pleasure of speaking with one of the most influential conservationists of our time, Dr Tony Juniper CBE. After an inspiring podcast recording, I asked Tony, “Are you optimistic about the future?” His response has stayed with me ever since: “Do you know what? I’ve given up being optimistic, and

Dr Nick Askew
Podcasts Organisational Manager November 24, 2024 2 min read

Podcast | From campaigning to chairing: Tony Juniper’s journey in nature conservation

How can campaigning lead to transformative leadership in conservation? And what role do cross-sector partnerships play in scaling biodiversity impact? Today’s guest is Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England and one of the UK’s most prominent voices in nature conservation. He’s been described as ‘the most effective of Britain’s eco-warriors’ and ‘one of the top

Dr Nick Askew
Podcasts Senior Level November 18, 2024 2 min read

Podcast | The power of trees: Sir William Worsley on conservation, climate and careers in forestry

Today’s guest is Sir William Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission (England). Sir William shares his rich experience in forestry management, conservation, and the evolving mission of the Forestry Commission since its founding in 1919. In our chat, we discuss the Commission’s role in afforestation, timber production and wildlife conservation, and the importance of balanced

Dr Nick Askew
Webinars November 8, 2024 1 min read

Webinar | Harness the power of communications in your career!

How to harness the power of communications to save more wildlife and accelerate your career. Learn why comms skills are so important for conservationists, along with examples of successful marine campaigns. Also, discover the most sought comms skills (& how to use them), ask your questions of the experts and much more! Watch this webinar

Dr Nick Askew
Podcasts October 22, 2024 2 min read

Podcast | The role of media in modern conservation | David Mizejewski

Have you ever wondered how your backyard or garden can help to save wildlife? Or why something as simple as leaving your leaves where they fall can make a big difference for local ecosystems? And what role does media, from television to online platforms, play in conservation efforts?  Today’s guest is David Mizejewski, a naturalist,

Dr Nick Askew
Podcasts October 15, 2024 3 min read

Podcast | The importance of community in our careers

Have you ever felt like an outsider or imposter in your career? Or wondered where (or even if) you fit and belong? We’re biologically hard-wired for connection, and research shows that it’s vital to our physical and mental wellbeing. But when it comes to our careers, we often think we need to go it alone.

Dr Nick Askew
Founders Desk Careers Advice October 13, 2024 4 min read

How to stay connected with the impact of our work?

As conservationists, we all want to know that our efforts are making a difference. We want to feel confident that our work is helping to save species and restore habitats. In the early stages of our conservation careers, this sense of purpose often drives us. It’s usually easy to see a direct link between our

Dr Nick Askew
Scientist Podcasts October 8, 2024 2 min read

Podcast | Snakes, rainforests and rock ‘n’ roll | Romulus Whitaker

Today’s guest is Romulus Whitaker, a renowned herpetologist and conservationist often referred to as the “Snake Man of India.” Romulus shares his lifelong passion for snakes, conservation and the incredible biodiversity of India’s rainforests. In this episode, we discuss what drew Romulus to snakes, especially the King Cobra, his experiences in the rainforest, and the

Dr Nick Askew
Webinars Careers Advice September 19, 2024 3 min read

Webinar | Certificate in Conservation Standards Project Management and Design

Would you like to create better conservation impact during your career? The ability to design and implement projects to better protect species, habitats and sites is key to success within conservation. But only a small proportion of professional conservationists are formally trained in these essential skills. A well-designed and adaptively managed project can make a

Dr Nick Askew
Founders Desk Careers Advice September 13, 2024 3 min read

Why do VALUES matter in conservation?

I’ve worked for many conservation organisations during my career, and they’ve all had mission, vision and value statements. Based on these, long-term strategies were developed and programmes were created. The problem was, at the time, I failed to see the relevance of most of it. I felt so much time was being wasted on these

Dr Nick Askew
Podcasts Careers Advice September 9, 2024 2 min read

Podcast | Felix Cybulla | Conservation Standards Trainer

A key to success within conservation is the ability to design high-quality projects to protect species, habitats and sites. But only a small proportion of professional conservationists are formally trained in the essential skills of project design and management. With limited time and money available within the sector, it’s no surprise that employers are increasingly

Dr Nick Askew
Podcasts Project Manager August 22, 2024 2 min read

Podcast | Inspiring young conservation leaders | Becky Park

Becky Park is the Programme Manager for the Osprey Leadership Foundation. They work to inspire young people about the natural world and to help them to develop into conservation leaders who can make a real difference, at both a grassroots and international level. We discuss the foundation’s origins, its mission in conservation and leadership training,

Dr Nick Askew
Podcasts Careers Advice August 18, 2024 2 min read

Podcast | “Fundraising turns dreams into reality” – Dr Kate Evans, Elephants for Africa

In this episode we’re speaking with Dr Kate Evans – Founder and Director of Elephants for Africa. She is an award-winning behavioural ecologist and conservation biologist, with over 25 years of experience in running wildlife research and conservation projects. Since establishing the charity Elephants for Africa in 2007, Kate has been responsible for funding their

Dr Nick Askew
Ultimate Guides August 15, 2024 1 min read

How to become a primatologist

Are you intrigued by our closest relatives and have an inquisitive mind? Then studying non-human primates as an primatologist could be the career path for you.  

Dr Nick Askew
Podcasts Senior Level August 14, 2024 3 min read

Podcast | How to raise more funding for wildlife conservation with David Goldman from the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife

What can Coca-Cola teach us about how to better save wildlife, in Australia and beyond?  And why should more governments set up charitable foundations to protect their national parks and threatened wildlife?  We discuss these and many other issues with today’s inspiring guest – David Goldman.  David is the Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer at

Dr Nick Askew
Founders Desk Careers Advice August 13, 2024 2 min read

Saving the world on spare change isn’t enough.

Despite the growth and professionalisation in conservation charities – with improved marketing, communications, project management and fundraising activities – we need other sectors to quickly join the race to save the planet. And they better have deeper pockets and be able to act fast. So who is the likely candidate for impact expansion? For me,

Dr Nick Askew
Careers Advice Fundraiser August 11, 2024 5 min read

Get inspired! Conservation funding success stories

Did you know that 88% of conservationists rely on fundraising? In a sector dominated by charities, the majority of conservation projects are funded by donors. These can include large grants secured from governments and foundations to smaller donations via public campaigns, appeals, events and membership drives. Whether it’s conserving frogs in Ghana, or reintroducing Bears

Dr Nick Askew
Podcasts Careers Advice August 5, 2024 2 min read

Podcast | Elena Zurli from Environmental Grants

To have an impact as a conservationist, you need fundraising skills in order to turn your ideas into reality.  In a sector dominated by charities, the majority of conservation projects are therefore funded by donors, who provide an estimated 90 billion pounds in funding each year.  These include large grants secured from governments, foundations and

Dr Nick Askew
Climate Change Podcasts August 5, 2024 2 min read

Podcast | Jade Brudenell | Conservation Collective

When wildlife is in decline the world over, how do we raise more funds for conservation, and ensure these funds are spent to have the greatest impact locally? Today’s guest thinks she has found the answer. Jade Brudenell is the Executive Director of the Conservation Collective, an organisation with a mission to increase the amount

Dr Nick Askew

Podcast | From Navy to conservation diversity leader | Taurean Meacham

Today we explore the world of conservation and diversity with digital storyteller Taurean Meacham. Working for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Taurean is the Program Coordinator for the Diversity Joint Venture for Careers in Conservation. In this episode we delve into Taurean’s work to improve diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in conservation and beyond.

Dr Nick Askew
Founders Desk Careers Advice July 13, 2024 3 min read

It’s time to stop using CVs, Resumes and Cover Letters

Earlier this week we ran a training event for 400+ people on how to apply for conservation jobs. During the live event, we walked through our tried and tested approach to crafting CVs, Resumes and cover letters which significantly increase the chances of landing an interview. We chose to run the event for three reasons:

Dr Nick Askew