Jonathan Plews
Woodbridge,Suffolk
Summary
I've enjoyed the challenge of establishing a sustainable conservation site from scratch, by developing strategic management plans, then personally implementing them using my practical knowledge and skills. I am dedicated, resourceful and enjoy working autonomously, as well as part of a team. I hold multiple industry standard qualifications, with a desire to continue gaining new skills as my career progresses to the next stage.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Lead Ranger
National Trust
Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk
03.2022 - Current
- Created and implemented habitat management plans, enhancing biodiversity and habitat quality across a 250-acre estate, including delivery of CS schemes.
- Managed grant applications, securing essential funding through Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) and Living Landscapes grants.
- Managed stakeholder relationships with Natural England, Local Authority Highways team, University of Suffolk and neighbouring farming businesses for operational needs.
- Identified an opportunity to invest in a sawmill, enabling us to utilise the timber extracted through the woodland management plan to build pole barns, benches and fence posts to reduce costs and reliance on external contractors. Developed and supplied products such as chopping boards to be sold in the site shop, allowing reinvestment into the site management.
- Experience conducting both internal and external media interviews with organisations such the BBC and ITV, showcasing the conservation work.
- Recruited dedicated weekly volunteer teams, coordinating work schedules and managing performance and training.
- Developed and delivered wildlife management plans to mitigate damage to archaeology and habitats by rabbits and deer.
- Delivered guided walks, promoting environmental awareness among visitors, and hosted corporate volunteer groups to increase community engagement.
- Procured and maintained equipment for site maintenance, ensuring operational efficiency.
- Routinely managed contracts for Tree Safety work, reducing risk to the organisation and ensuring operational safety of the site.
Ranger
National Trust
Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk
04.2018 - 03.2022
- Led in habitat restoration projects including the successful recovery of nightingale populations on the estate.
- Planned and performed habitat management tasks, such as coppicing, bracken control, rotational scrub cutting and hedge laying.
- Managed a conservation grazing herd conducting livestock checks and maintenance, ensuring animal welfare standards were met.
- Performed regular estate infrastructure maintenance.
- Managed invasive plant species to protect native vegetation.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations, guaranteeing minimal harm to wildlife and visitors alike.
Assistant Grounds and Reserves Warden
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
Washington, Sunderland
04.2015 - 04.2018
- Demonstrated practical countryside skills, facilitated visitor understanding of the natural environment.
- Performed routine habitat management tasks.
- Improved access routes by maintaining paths and trails.
- Worked closely with volunteers.
- Assisted in woodland management for improved habitats.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology
Bangor University
Bangor 09.2010 - 07.2014
A-Levels -
Northallerton College
Northallerton, North Yorkshire 09.2008 - 06.2010
Skills
Industry standard qualification's in;
- Tractor driving with PTO driven Trailed and Mounted Implements and Basic Loader
- Experience using Timber trailers and skid winches
- Safe use and application of pesticides modules: PA1, PA2, PA6, PA6AW
- Chainsaw CS30, CS31, CS32, assisted felling operations and Pole saw
- Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1
- Firearms certificate holder
- Conservation Grazing
- Safe sit-in ATV riding
- Professional Tree safety Inspection
- Safe Use of Pedestrian Controlled Mowers
- Emergency First Aid at Work with Forestry certification
- Full clean driving license with trailer qualification
Affiliations
- Kayaking- in particular Canoe polo, having competed at both a regional and national level.
- Photography
- Martial Arts
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Lead Ranger
National Trust
03.2022 - Current
Ranger
National Trust
04.2018 - 03.2022
Assistant Grounds and Reserves Warden
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
04.2015 - 04.2018
Bachelor of Science - Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology
Bangor University
09.2010 - 07.2014
A-Levels -
Northallerton College
09.2008 - 06.2010