Ewan Miles
Dervaig,Isle of Mull
Summary
Highly dedicated professional with strong organisational and time-management skills, known for a proactive and dependable approach. Experienced in managing, leading, and overseeing teams with a commitment to quality and attention to detail. Seeking to leverage these competencies in a challenging role that values dedication and leadership.
Overview
13
13
years of post-secondary education
17
17
years of professional experience
Work history
Founder & Director
Nature Scotland
Isle of Mull
2015.11 - 2026.07
- Founded and established Nature Scotland, a multi-national award-winning ecotourism and wildlife experience organisation on the Isle of Mull, designing and delivering nature-based experiences for visitors.
- Built the company from inception through growth phases, achieving notable recognitions such as Scotland’s Best Newcomer (2017) and Eco Friendly Tour Company of the Year in the UK (2024).
- Developed and led diverse wildlife and nature tours, including Mull Nature Explorer, wilderness walking tours, and multi-day expeditions, enhancing visitor engagement with local ecosystems.
- Designed and implemented ecology-focused data collection and biodiversity surveys (birds, reptiles, cetaceans, dragonflies, butterflies), enriching local biological records and supporting conservation efforts.
- Led strategic business through challenging periods including the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting operations in line with public health guidance and maintaining service delivery and team engagement.
- Expanded team capacity by recruiting and mentoring seasonal naturalists, interns, and guides, fostering professional development and enhancing quality of customer experience.
- Introduced wellness-oriented nature engagement programmes for local residents and youth outreach, strengthening community connections and promoting environmental education.
Ecological Survey Lead
Nature Mull / Nature Scotland
Isle of Mull
2015.01 - 2025.01
- Led large-scale baseline and impact-focused projects such as Glen Forsa Breeding Bird Survey (1,270 ha) to inform woodland creation planning.
- Delivered specialist ecological and ornithological survey services across the Isle of Mull and surrounding areas, providing high-quality field data for habitat assessment and conservation planning.
- Conducted a range of scientifically recognised surveys including breeding bird surveys, wintering bird surveys, vantage point watches, goose & swan counts, seabird assessments, and Wetland Bird Surveys (WeBS).
- Monitored key raptor populations, including Golden Eagle territories and Hen Harrier census grid squares, providing critical data for UK-wide conservation initiatives led by RSPB, NatureScot, Natural England and others.
- Utilised tailored field techniques and species-specific monitoring strategies to support habitat protection, biodiversity reporting, and informed land-management decisions.
- Conducted Quinish Baseline Bird Survey (30 ha) and West Ardhu pre-harvest bird surveys (56 ha) to inform habitat management decisions.
- Implemented otter field survey methods in 200 ha of community woodland to evaluate habitat use.
- Fostered collaboration with landowners and forestry stakeholders, including Highland Forestry, Tree Story, North West Mull Community Woodland and Mull & Iona Community Trust, to enhance survey effectiveness and support conservation efforts.
- Applied rigorous best-practice protocols for voluntary scientific bird censuses under British Trust for Ornithology frameworks, ensuring high integrity of ecological records.
Wildlife Guide
Sea Life Surveys
Isle of Mull
2010.01 - 2015.01
- Led guided marine wildlife excursions along the west coast of Scotland, creating memorable and educational experiences for visitors.
- Interpreted and presented coastal and marine species, including cetaceans and sharks, tailoring information to a wide range of audiences.
- Maintained high standards of customer experience and safety, enhancing guest engagement and satisfaction during each trip.
- Provided expert commentary on local geography, landmarks, and regional history, enhancing visitor understanding and enjoyment.
- Conducted field surveys and data collection on whales, sharks, and other marine species in line with research protocols.
- Collected photographic identification images of marine wildlife to support ongoing research and monitoring programmes.
- Contributed regularly to the Captain’s log, recording wildlife sightings, survey data, and operational notes.
- Assisted skipper with safe and efficient trip delivery through boat handling and crew duties, ensuring smooth operations.
- 8 month season, Full-Time
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) -
The Open University
Carlisle, Cumbria 2012.10 - 2021.05
GCSEs - English, Mathematics, History, Physical Education
William Howard School
Brampton, Cumbria 1998.09 - 2003.06
Skills
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Hard-working with a proactive and dependable approach
- Experience managing, leading, and overseeing teams
- Highly dedicated with attention to detail and commitment to quality
REFEREES
- Iolo, Williams, Freelance Naturalist, iolo.williams@btinternet.com
- David, Sexton, ex-RSPB Scotland Mull officer, David.Sexton@rspb.org.uk
Affiliations
- Birdwatching
- Hiking
- Photography
- Running
- Cycling
Accomplishments
Scotlands Outdoor & Leisure Awards
VOTED SCOTLAND'S BEST NEWCOMER 2017
SCOTLAND'S BEST OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE 2018
SCOTLAND'S BEST TOUR EXPERIENCE 2019
Travel & Hospitality Awards
ECO FRIENDLY TOUR COMPANY OF THE YEAR IN THE UK 2024
Timeline
Founder & Director
Nature Scotland
2015.11 - 2026.07
Ecological Survey Lead
Nature Mull / Nature Scotland
2015.01 - 2025.01
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) -
The Open University
2012.10 - 2021.05
Wildlife Guide
Sea Life Surveys
2010.01 - 2015.01
GCSEs - English, Mathematics, History, Physical Education
William Howard School
1998.09 - 2003.06