We invited Jacob to tell us about himself and what motivates him:

Originally from North Yorkshire, I have loved exploring the British Countryside since I was a child often via a kayak or through the lens of a camera. I studied at University of Plymouth gaining my degree in Environmental Science with a year in industry at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust. Throughout University I spent plenty of time exploring Dartmoor and the south coast of Devon and Cornwall. I also volunteered for several conservation charities including a community tree nursery and reforestation project. 

After graduating I began my career as a Wildlife Officer in the Quantock Hills National Landscape, with a focus on nature conservation and community engagement. During the later part of 2024 I travelled throughout Central America with my partner, working on a variety of conservation and eco-tourism ventures as well as scuba diving and climbing several volcanoes! This past summer I worked as a Heathland Engagement Ranger for the South Downs National Park before joining Petersfield Town Council as the Petersfield Ranger.

I have experience working on exciting projects both in the UK and abroad, including the Quantock Adder survey, a 2-year study on rare woodland bat species Barbastelle and Bechstein’s, sea turtle conservation in Kenya and Nicaragua and environmental education in Panama.

I am particularly enthusiastic about making nature accessible to all people; being connected to nature is so important for everyone and I wholeheartedly believe in the amazing benefits to our wellbeing.

I am looking forward to protecting and enhancing the amazing greenspaces of Petersfield and the connected wider landscape. I aim to harness the passion for nature of the Petersfield residents through community engagement and more volunteering opportunities, and to drive forward projects that improve biodiversity and support climate change initiatives.

Jacob Gibson