Andy Jennings-Giles

I have always had a strong affinity with the natural world, and some of my earliest memories include marvelling at fungi on walks, and ‘our’ green woodpecker in the garden. Later, when I became aware of the numerous threats to habitats and wildlife, I realised that I needed to be part of the solution. This led me to a degree in Environmental Science at UEA, which taught me that the climate and biodiversity crises are inseparable, and must be tacked together.

My first step into conservation was through a Trainee Ranger scheme at a National Nature reserve in Surrey. I then hit the jackpot by landing a place on an HLF funded Biodiversity Trainee scheme run by Chester Zoo, RECORD and Cheshire Wildlife Trust. Since then I have been involved in the creation of the Chester Zoo Nature Reserve, including management and monitoring, as well as ranger roles at Tatton Park and Port Sunlight River Park.

In my current role I am developing at the zoo’s biodiversity plan and looking at the future management of valuable habitats on the zoo estate. We own hundreds of acres of farmland outside the core zoo, so we have exciting ambitions to restore hedgerows, plant trees, create new ponds, boost connectivity and increase biodiversity substantially. Much of this work will link into the new DEFRA funded Nature Recovery Corridor, and I’m very excited to support the new team working on this ambitious project in our local area.