Mark Ward Email & Phone Number

I have the honour of heading up the RSPB's Supporter Experience function and am responsible for the supporter experience across all of its work and operations. My role, and my brilliant team's, is to ensure the voice of our amazing members and supporters is heard, and acted on, in everything the RSPB does and that we deliver the very best supporter experience by applying our co-created Supporter Principles in all we do.We strive to deliver the very best experiences for all our audiences… Show more I have the honour of heading up the RSPB's Supporter Experience function and am responsible for the supporter experience across all of its work and operations. My role, and my brilliant team's, is to ensure the voice of our amazing members and supporters is heard, and acted on, in everything the RSPB does and that we deliver the very best supporter experience by applying our co-created Supporter Principles in all we do.We strive to deliver the very best experiences for all our audiences in team through the RSPB’s flagship print and digital supporter communications that include our membership magazines for all age groups and audiences and our weekly emails, as well as a variety of Live Events. We’re on the frontline through the hundreds of conversations that take place every day through our Supporter Relations Team and act as the canary in the coal mine for how our 1.1 million members and many additional supporters are feeling and reacting. The team also develops exciting new, as well as improving existing, ways for supporters to get involved with the RSPB. Show less

I was the RSPB's Editor-in-Chief for its flagship publication for members and one of the largest circulation magazines in the UK, Nature's Home (circulation 610,968; readership 1.2 million), and lead the team that plans, produces and delivers the organization's suite of print and digital Supporter Communications. These include three age-targeted titles for our youth membership - Wild Times, Bird Life and Wingbeat - plus tailored extensions of Nature's Home in the form of products for for RSPB… Show more I was the RSPB's Editor-in-Chief for its flagship publication for members and one of the largest circulation magazines in the UK, Nature's Home (circulation 610,968; readership 1.2 million), and lead the team that plans, produces and delivers the organization's suite of print and digital Supporter Communications. These include three age-targeted titles for our youth membership - Wild Times, Bird Life and Wingbeat - plus tailored extensions of Nature's Home in the form of products for for RSPB Scotland, RSPB Northern Ireland and RSPB Cymru, Impact and Fellows' News. I also maintain and develop the publications'​ digital extensions, including our online presence and linking with other RSPB comms channels. Content production, creativity, supporter journeys, marketing, sound knowledge of all aspects of natural history and conservation both in the UK and internationally and being an experienced naturalist are among the skills that come together to make this a challenging and inspiring role. My role involves all aspects of planning, creating and delivering the RSPB's magazines and newsletters, from content strategy and creation through advertising strategy, to engaging our large and varied membership in the RSPB's conservation mission. Retaining and increasing support, while delivering the highest quality reading experience across our range of titles, is a continual challenge and pleasure. Show less

I am the Editor of the RSPB's magazine and led the development, creation and launch of the organisation's new title, Nature's Home from the long-standing title, Birds, which I edited for three-and-a-half years. Nature's Home has a readership of 1.2 million with 600,887 copies mailing every quarter. It is a vital communication for the RSPB's membership and understanding and catering for the needs of such a large, passionate and varied readership, and such a large organisation, is one of the most… Show more I am the Editor of the RSPB's magazine and led the development, creation and launch of the organisation's new title, Nature's Home from the long-standing title, Birds, which I edited for three-and-a-half years. Nature's Home has a readership of 1.2 million with 600,887 copies mailing every quarter. It is a vital communication for the RSPB's membership and understanding and catering for the needs of such a large, passionate and varied readership, and such a large organisation, is one of the most challenging and enjoyable parts of my role. Show less

Heading up the RSPB's flagship member magazine, Birds - readership 1.3 million; circulation 609,000.

Writing, commissioning and editing content for the RSPB website, editing and writing the RSPB's large circulation monthly e-newsletters for both members and non-members, writing blogs and ensuring the RSPB communicates effectively to its digital audiences.

I've written several books for natural history publishers, the first when I was 25: Bird Identification and Fieldcraft (New Holland) which ran to three editions. Other titles include The Really Useful Garden Bird Handbook and RSPB Pocket Garden Birdwatch (Dorling Kindersley) which is now in its fourth edition.In 2017, "Wildlife on your Doorstep", was published by Reed New Holland and "A Year in British Wildlife" was published in 2018.

I use my knowledge and experience of UK wildlife and conservation to provide consultancy for a variety of organisations and authorities. These include end-to-end planning, production and implementation of Neighbourhood Plans and environmental surveys for local authorities to help them plan and develop with nature at the heart and deliver biodiversity audits and recommendations. I'm also able to provide campaign support for local authorities and individuals hoping to contribute meaningfully to… Show more I use my knowledge and experience of UK wildlife and conservation to provide consultancy for a variety of organisations and authorities. These include end-to-end planning, production and implementation of Neighbourhood Plans and environmental surveys for local authorities to help them plan and develop with nature at the heart and deliver biodiversity audits and recommendations. I'm also able to provide campaign support for local authorities and individuals hoping to contribute meaningfully to the planning process and conservation of sites and species at a local level. I can also help with single and multi-taxa surveys and research on most groups of UK wildlife for sites and areas and provide ecological assessments. Show less

My conservation and wildlife knowledge, combined with writing flair and a passion for engaging specialist and non-specialist audiences with nature have stood me in good stead for a very varied and productive writing career from a young age. This includes: columnist for the Sunday People for seven years, wildlife columnist for the Cambridgeshire Times for nine years, author of more than 100 features in a variety of environmental and wildlife magazines, including Country Walking, Bird Watching… Show more My conservation and wildlife knowledge, combined with writing flair and a passion for engaging specialist and non-specialist audiences with nature have stood me in good stead for a very varied and productive writing career from a young age. This includes: columnist for the Sunday People for seven years, wildlife columnist for the Cambridgeshire Times for nine years, author of more than 100 features in a variety of environmental and wildlife magazines, including Country Walking, Bird Watching, Birdwatch (first feature published age 15), Natural World, plus a wide range of other projects. My work has also appeared in a variety of non wildlife titles, including getting nature into FHM magazine! I have written several identification papers on birds, numerous reports and delivered content across a range of digital platforms, too. Show less

I was a member of the judging panel for the annual awards for eight consecutive years.

Feature writing, news editor

I answered questions by phone, letter and email from members of the public and RSPB supporters, providing expert advice on a wide range of topics from wildlife identification, land management and ecology to planning matters, wildlife gardening and environmental policy.

Commissioning, editing and writing copy (including many of the main features and regular content in each monthly magazine).

Bsc (Hons) Degree In Environmental Science, Studying International Environmental Policy, Ecology, Oceanography, Natural Sciences, First Class Honours

National Diploma, Wildlife And Countryside Management, Merit And Best Student

Diploma In Environmental Policy

Diploma In Natural Sciences