Allison Potts

Area Manager

Please describe the work that you do.

I lead and manage a team working across 7 counties and London focused on working with partners to make the Nature Recovery Network a reality. We do this by engaging in Local Nature Recovery Strategies, Local Nature Partnerships, delivering planning advice, protected sites monitoring, advice, enforcement and regulation, agri-environment advice, connect people with nature and manage National Nature Reserves.

What do you most like about your job? Any dislikes?

I love the variety of the work and the passion and dedication of the people that I work with – it is a community of people who want to make a difference. Who wouldn’t love a job like that!?
Dislikes – salaries aren’t great, especially at entry level. There’s always more to be done than there’s staff or money to do it.

What inspired you into this career?

I did an Earthwatch project before university and was hooked – spending time in nature, looking to better understand or improve the diversity, connectedness or sustainability for our environment. I want to make a difference – we only have one Planet, let’s start treating it this way!

Have you faced any challenges in progressing your career so far?

I had to move to where I could get roles initially – so belng flexible early in career helps – but won’t suit everyone. It was hard to get good advice about what jobs existed in this field – I spent a while thinking I wanted to work for a zoo because I knew they did conservation! This Green Jobs website is a massive step forward!!

What education/training did you have?

I did an Undergrad Degree in Environmental and Behaviour Biology and a MSc in Wild Animal Biology. I’m currently doing a Senior Leadership Apprenticeship.

What advice would you give to someone coming into the profession?

If you want a rewarding career where you can see the difference you are making to the natural environment, this is it!! You don’t have to start with field ecology and all-night bat surveys, but good id skills will always be helpful in securing roles.