Peatland Careers Hub
What are Green Jobs working in Peatland?
Peatlands are some of the UK’s most precious habitats. They store vast amounts of carbon, help to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and support unique wildlife. Restoring and protecting them is vital for tackling climate change and for the health of our landscapes and communities.
Across the UK, there’s a growing demand for people who can help bring these landscapes back to life. From hands-on restoration work in the field to data analysis, project coordination, community engagement, mapping, and policy development, there are opportunities for every interest and skill set.
Working in peatland restoration means being part of something that truly matters. It’s about making a measurable difference for nature, people, and the planet. Whether you’re drawn to practical outdoor work, fascinated by science and technology, or inspired to lead projects and influence change, there’s a place for you in this evolving and essential sector.
On this page, you can explore real stories from people working in peatland careers across the UK, through their profiles and videos, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what their work involves and why they love it. You can also take our quiz to discover which type of role might suit your skills, interests, and ambitions.
The future of these incredible landscapes depends on people with passion and purpose – and that could be you.
Peatland Stories
Hear from people working to restore and protect peatlands – their routes, their challenges, and why this work matters.
Hugh Martin
Hugh explains how his career took an unexpected turn from engineering into peatland restoration. After discovering a love for outdoor work through tree planting, he built practical skills that led him to a full-time role helping restore peatlands across the Tweed catchment.
His story shows that you don’t have to start in environmental science to end up working for nature – passion, persistence, and making good connections can open the door to a career in peatlands.
Tasha Caven
Tasha talks about her route from studying earth sciences and working in environmental consultancy to restoring peatlands in one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. She shows how changing direction is possible when you follow what you love – in her case, being outdoors and helping nature recover.
Her story highlights the mix of science, teamwork and fieldwork in peatland roles, and she encourages anyone interested to get out there, volunteer, and keep an open mind about where new opportunities might lead.
Amee Hood
Amee shares her journey from college student to Reserve Manager, showing how a love of the outdoors and a hands-on approach led to a career caring for some of Scotland’s peatland landscapes. She talks about finding her own learning style, overcoming challenges like dyslexia, and building confidence through a student placement.
Her story highlights that you don’t need a traditional path to work in peatland conservation – practical experience, curiosity, and connection with nature can take you a long way.
Different Pathways into Peatland Roles
There’s no single route into a career in peatland conservation or restoration, and that’s part of what makes this sector so exciting. Many people begin by studying subjects like ecology, environmental science, geography or countryside management, but that’s far from the only way in.
Some build their skills through volunteering, apprenticeships, or work placements, while others take practical college courses or start in entry-level roles and work their way up. What matters most is a passion for the environment, a willingness to learn, and some hands-on experience that shows you understand how these landscapes work.
Everyone’s journey is different, and exploring a few real-life examples can help you figure out what might work best for you.
Seren Peregrine
A Conservation Advisor who moved from engineering into conservation, showing how changing direction is possible when you follow what you care about. Her advice? Don’t be afraid to take the leap; your skills might fit better than you think.
Poul Morten Korndal
A Worksite Supervisor who built his career through practical experience and training on the ground. He proves that enthusiasm, hard work and curiosity can be just as valuable as qualifications.
Sue White
A Project Officer who mixed study with hands-on conservation work to build her skills. She encourages young people to volunteer, stay curious and keep learning – every experience counts.
Alex Smith
Who started with an internship and turned it into a career in peatland restoration. They show that saying yes to new opportunities early on can help you discover what you’re great at.
Eszter Domina
A Project Officer who blends science, communication and teamwork to protect peatlands and rainforests. Her message is simple: use your strengths – there’s space for all kinds of skills in nature careers.
Amanda Ophof
She now manages large restoration projects, but she began with a love for the outdoors and learnt as she went. She points out that confidence grows with experience – everyone starts somewhere.
Peatland Educational Resource
Nature Careers Quick Guide: Peatland Roles
