Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
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Carol Laidlaw

Ely,Cambridgeshire

Summary

Highly skilled and dedicated professional with extensive expertise in livestock behaviour and welfare. Well versed in the use and maintenance of machinery such as tractors, associated implements, hand-held power tools and animal handling equipment. Comprehensive understanding of and familiarity with current animal welfare regulations, cross compliance obligations and Health and Safety requirements. Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrated through the successful completion of a livestock orientated Masters research thesis, and also through delivery of many presentations and guided walks to the public, media and industry peers. Committed to advancing conservation grazing techniques and low stress stock management methods through continuous learning, collaboration and outreach.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
2024
2024
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Ranger

National Trust
Wicken, Cambridgeshire
09.2001 - Current
  • Instrumental in managing and implementing an innovative and dynamic grazing programme as part of the National Trust's 100 year vision project; grazing areas doubled in hectarage since 2001.
  • Ensured high standards of animal welfare under current cross compliance and other legal obligations while operating under the remit of a landscape scale, minimal husbandry system; expansion of grazing herds since their introduction between 2001 - 2005 demonstrates high health and welfare status.
  • Participated in long term habitat restoration, including completion of a seven year scrub clearance project on the Sedge Fen, one of the last remaining undrained areas of fen habitat.
  • Produced and maintained exemplary records and systems to ensure high standards of cross compliance and Health and Safety.
  • Effectively managed financial budgets for ongoing needs, as well as delivery of projects with an annual budget range of £5,000 - £15,000.
  • Negotiated livestock sales and implemented a Konik sponsorship scheme which ran from 2010 - 2013.
  • Engaged extensively with public and visitors through provision of guided walks, events and presentations, as well as liaising with contractors, other NGO's and internal teams to build and maintain strong relationships.
  • Conducted research and completed funded MPhil thesis to increase knowledge about the behaviour, grazing and social structure of free-living grazing herds at Wicken Fen.

Countryside ranger

Angus Council
Dundee, Angus
04.1999 - 09.2001
  • Ensured high standards of site presentation and visitor safety by conducting regular patrols of park areas.
  • Worked closely with seasonal and full-time rangers to deliver an active and extensive outdoor education programme.
  • Designed and produced high quality nature trails with informative and engaging interpretation.
  • Managed invasive plant species to protect native vegetation (principally Himalayan balsam and rhododendron).
  • Supported local schools in delivery of outdoor activities for Key stages 1 - 4.

Education

Master of Philosophy - Biological sciences

Anglia Ruskin University
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Master of Arts - English

University of Dundee
Dundee
10.1990 - 07.1994

Skills

  • Current certificates of competence in tractor driving, off-road vehicle operating (4x4), skid steer machinery, woodchipper, brushcutter and clearing saw
  • Driving licence with B, B1, C1, D1, BE, C1E and D1E categories
  • Emergency first aid at work F
  • Certificate of competence in safe use of veterinary medicines, level 2
  • Lantra certificate of attendance 'Introduction to Stock Management for Conservation Grazing'
  • Attended equine podiatry and free-living horse behaviour course, hosted at Highland Wildlife Park, Scotland
  • City and Guilds Level 3 award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector
  • Strong organisational skills with attention to detail
  • Capable and patient team leader
  • Adaptable problem solver, especially in dynamic and unpredictable livestock emergencies
  • Excellent verbal and written communicator
  • Extensive understanding of, and interest in, livestock behaviour and welfare




References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Ranger

National Trust
09.2001 - Current

Countryside ranger

Angus Council
04.1999 - 09.2001

Master of Arts - English

University of Dundee
10.1990 - 07.1994

Master of Philosophy - Biological sciences

Anglia Ruskin University

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Carol Laidlaw