Three Decades of Nature Recovery with Craig Ralston | Senior Reserve Manager, Natural England

What can three decades in one wild place teach us about conservation?In this episode, we sit down with Craig Ralston - Natural England Senior Reserve Manager at Yorkshire’s Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve - to explore his remarkable 30-year journey of restoring landscapes, inspiring communities, and navigating change.Craig shares his reflections on the importance of long-term thinking in conservation, and why reconnecting people with place is at the heart of his work. Whether you’re just starting out or decades in, this episode offers powerful insights into what it means to hold the line for nature.It’s a reflective, real-world, and deeply inspiring conversation.Enjoy.🟢 Subscribe to the Conservation Careers Podcast for more inspiring interviews: https://www.conservation-careers.com/podcast/📌 Learn more about careers in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/🔖 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 02:10 – Craig’s journey into conservation 08:30 – Three decades in the Lower Derwent Valley 18:15 – Career lessons and managing teams 35:00 – Hope, people, and place 42:10 – Craig’s advice for conservationists🔗 Useful Links: • Lower Derwent Valley NNR – Natural England • Conservation Careers Courses🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms. 👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more inspiring conservation stories.🎯 Tags: #ConservationCareers #CraigRalston #NatureRecovery #WildlifeConservation #Burnout #Rewilding #NatureRestoration #ConservationPodcast #Wetlands #ConservationJobs #ConservationSuccess #CareerSwitchers #EnvironmentPodcast

What if we gave as much love to insects as we do elephants?In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Kate Umbers – Senior Lecturer in Zoology at Western Sydney University and Managing Director of Invertebrates Australia – for a passionate, perspective-shifting conversation about the beauty and importance of bugs.Kate shares why insects deserve a central place in conservation, the inspiring work of the Insect Conservation Lab, her career pivot from policing to zoology, and her honest reflections on motherhood, motivation, and choosing hope in conservation.From Glowworms to Christmas Beetles to the mighty Bogong Moth, this episode is packed with quirky facts, emotional truths, and practical career advice.If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underfunded, or uncertain on your conservation journey – this one’s for you.

How systemic transformation, inclusive leadership, and a vision for a nature-positive future are shaping WWF’s global conservation strategy, with our guest Daudi Sumba.What does it take to lead one of the world’s most influential conservation organisations during a time of ecological crisis and transformation? And how do you align 100+ countries, thousands of staff, and a 64-year legacy behind a single, shared vision for 2030?Today’s guest is Daudi Sumba, Chief Conservation Officer at WWF International. With over 30 years of experience across Africa’s conservation and development sectors—and senior roles at Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, and the African Wildlife Foundation—Daudi is now helping steer the global strategy of WWF as it works to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.In this episode, we explore the ambitious WWF Roadmap to 2030—including six global goals focused on biodiversity, climate, food systems, finance, and locally-led conservation. We dive into the concept of systemic change, the shift to inclusive conservation, and the bold leadership required to drive outcomes at scale.Daudi also shares his own career story—from his unexpected beginnings in economics to investing in lifelong learning to grow as a leader. He speaks passionately about the value of natural resources in Africa’s development, the role of hope in driving impact, and why there’s space in conservation for every kind of skill—even politics.It’s a big-thinking, deeply inspiring, and leadership-packed conversation.Enjoy!🔗 Learn more: https://wwf.panda.org 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://www.conservation-careers.com/podcast 🧭 Hosted by Nick Askew | Conservation Careers#DaudiSumba #WWF #ConservationLeadership #WWF2030 #SystemicChange #AfricanConservation #SustainableDevelopment #NaturePositive #ConservationCareers

In this episode of the Conservation Careers Podcast, we meet Beryl Makori, Conservation Manager at The Pangolin Project in Kenya.Beryl shares the remarkable story of rediscovering Kenya’s giant ground pangolin—a species once thought extinct in the country—and the urgent efforts now underway to protect it. From community engagement and ranger patrols to habitat leases and landowner partnerships, The Pangolin Project is racing to secure the last remaining habitat of this elusive and endangered mammal.We also dive into Beryl’s inspiring personal journey—from being known as the “Bat Lady of East Africa” to leading a passionate grassroots team working at the frontlines of conservation.What you'll learn:Why pangolins are the world’s most trafficked mammalHow the giant ground pangolin was rediscovered in KenyaWhat it takes to build conservation trust with local communitiesCareer advice for aspiring conservationistsThe power of persistence and passion in wildlife conservationLearn more about The Pangolin Project: https://www.thepangolinproject.org/Like, comment and subscribe for more inspiring conservation stories! #PangolinConservation #BerylMakori #ConservationCareers #WildlifePodcast #GiantGroundPangolin #CommunityConservation #EastAfrica #BatLady #WomenInConservation #ConservationPodcast

How One Caribbean Biologist is Shaping the Future of Conservation From Cambridge to the Tropics.In this episode of the Conservation Careers Podcast, we speak with Dr Howard Nelson—Lecturer in Conservation Leadership at Fauna & Flora International and the University of Cambridge.Howard brings over 30 years of experience across the Caribbean and the UK, working in government, NGOs, and academia. We dive into his work teaching the next generation of conservation professionals and discuss his journey from managing jaguar habitat in Trinidad to shaping conservation policy and leadership in Cambridge.Topics covered:What is conservation leadership?Lessons from 30+ years in field ecology and policyThe science-policy interface in small island statesAdvice for career switchers and aspiring conservationistsThe importance of communication and diversity in conservation#ConservationLeadership #HowardNelson #FaunaAndFlora #ConservationCareers #WildlifeBiologist #GlobalSouthVoices #CambridgeUniversityLinkshttps://www.cl.geog.cam.ac.uk/ 

How Nick Bubb Combines Fundraising, Empowerment, and a Life of Adventure to Guide One of Africa’s Leading Conservation Charities, Tusk.What’s it like to lead one of Africa’s most influential conservation charities? How do you support grassroots leaders across a continent while balancing fundraising, strategy, and your own wellbeing? And how can a mid-career pivot lead to purpose and impact in conservation?Today’s guest is Nick Bubb, Chief Executive of Tusk Trust. With a background in engineering, ocean racing and finance, Nick brings a unique perspective to conservation leadership.In this episode, we explore Nick’s approach to leading Tusk: supporting small, high-impact conservation projects, championing ranger welfare, and shaping a collaborative future for African wildlife protection. We also dive into his career journey, lessons from his time at Fauna & Flora International, the importance of career switchers in the sector, and how to handle the pressure of leading with purpose.It’s a generous, inspiring, and mission-driven podcast.Enjoy!https://tusk.org/

How Conscious Explorer is Transforming Travel Into a Powerful Force for Conservation and Community Development, With Daniel Kaul.Can travel be more than just an escape? How can tourism actively contribute to conservation and community well-being? And what does ethical, sustainable travel truly look like?Today’s guest is Daniel Kaul, founder of Conscious Explorer and Natucate, two pioneering organisations at the intersection of ecotourism and conservation. With a passion for ethical travel, Daniel has spent years designing experiences that allow travellers to explore the world while making a meaningful impact on nature and local communities.In this episode, we dive into the concept of conscious travel—how it works, what responsible tourism looks like, and the challenges and opportunities in the ecotourism sector. Daniel also shares his entrepreneurial journey, insights into building ethical travel businesses, and practical advice on how travellers can make informed choices that support conservation efforts.It’s a thought-provoking, industry-changing and solutions-driven podcast.Enjoy!https://conscious-explorer.com/

Hi there. Nick here from Conservation Careers, and welcome to the podcast.What’s it like to study and protect turtles in the stunning waters of Egypt’s Red Sea? How can citizen scientists and local communities play a key role in marine conservation? And what are the biggest threats facing sea turtles today?Today’s guest is Micol Montagna, biologist and project coordinator at TurtleWatch Egypt 2.0. Micol has dedicated her career to marine conservation, using citizen science and innovative research to monitor and protect turtles along Egypt’s Red Sea coast.In this episode, we explore the vital role Egypt plays in global turtle conservation, how TurtleWatch Egypt identifies and tracks individual turtles, and the importance of community engagement in marine protection. Micol also shares her career journey, insights into working in conservation, and advice for aspiring marine biologists.It’s an inspiring, hands-on, and action-focused podcast.Enjoy!---Linkshttps://turtlewatchegypt.net/

How Career Coach John Tarnoff Helps Professionals Navigate Change, Find Purpose, and Build Meaningful Careers in Conservation and Beyond.What if midlife wasn’t a crisis but an opportunity? How can professionals transition into conservation careers later in life? And what does it take to reinvent yourself for a career with purpose?Today’s guest is John Tarnoff, career coach, author, and speaker specializing in mid-career transitions. After spending decades in Hollywood as a film executive and producer, John made a dramatic career pivot and now helps professionals navigate career change with confidence.In this episode, we explore how mid-career professionals can identify their true calling, break into new fields like conservation, and overcome challenges such as ageism and self-doubt. John shares practical strategies on networking, personal branding, and storytelling—key tools for landing opportunities in a competitive job market.It’s an insightful, empowering, and practical podcast.Enjoy!--linkedin.com/in/johntarnoffjohntarnoff.com

What does it take to rewild a nation? How can restoring nature also regenerate communities and economies? And what’s the future of rewilding as a career path?Today’s guest is Rebecca Wrigley, Chief Executive and co-founder of Rewilding Britain. With over 23 years of experience in conservation and community development, Rebecca has led Rewilding Britain’s mission to restore species-rich habitats across 30% of Britain’s land and sea by 2030.In this episode, we explore the principles of rewilding, how Rewilding Britain is empowering landowners and policymakers, and the key challenges and opportunities in large and small-scale nature restoration projects. Rebecca also shares her career journey, advice for aspiring rewilders, and insights on building a movement that balances ecological restoration with economic sustainability.It’s an inspiring, hopeful, and solutions-driven podcast.Enjoy!---Useful LinksRewilding Britain