Brian Heppenstall Email & Phone Number

With over 25 years dedicated to wildlife conservation and community engagement, I’m the Education and Careers Manager at the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). My mission is to shape and support career pathways for those passionate about entering the ecology and environmental management sectors.At CIEEM, I design innovative programs, partnerships, and initiatives to enhance career entry points and create a positive impact across the conservation landscape. Previously, I led a dynamic team at Hengistbury Head, a SSSI and Scheduled Monument with over a million annual visitors, where I focused on habitat management, species monitoring, and community involvement.Key Achievements* Award-Winning Programs: I developed a highly ranked work placement program that was recognised in the Top 100 Undergraduate Employers list for 2020/21.* Recognition for Leadership: Honored as Bournemouth University's inaugural Alumni of the Year in 2018 for my commitment to creating entry routes for aspiring ecologists.* Successful Education Initiatives: Managed a Level 3 Wildlife and Ecology course that received CIEEM’s Programme of the Year Award, helping students gain hands-on experience and skills for a conservation career.Core Expertise* Funding & Project Management: Proven success in writing funding applications and managing high-impact projects in conservation.* Community & Youth Engagement: Strong advocate for community-led conservation, with experience developing initiatives that bring people closer to nature.* Pathway Development: Deep commitment to creating clear, accessible career paths into ecology and environmental management, from entry-level to seasoned professionals.Whether it's empowering the next generation of ecologists or fostering a greater understanding of the natural world, I’m driven by a passion for conservation and education. Let's connect if you’re interested in discussing careers in ecology or collaborating to build stronger pathways into this essential field.