Wild Ken Hill in Snettisham welcomes new conservation leader
A team member who has just joined Wild Ken Hill in Snettisham as a conservation leader and ecologist brings with him a wealth of experience and bags of enthusiasm for his new role.
Lloyd Park, is a well-practiced naturalist, who has a wide range of conservation management skills, experience of an array of survey, recording and monitoring work and species reintroduction expertise.
He is looking forward to the challenges of working at the site which covers thousands of acres and this year has seen the introduction of wild animals, such as beavers, Red Poll cattle, Exmoor ponies and Tamworth pigs.
Lloyd, who previously worked for the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust for13 years in a range of roles at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, said: "With biodiversity loss and climate change accelerating, I believe that now more than ever before we have a duty to restore and protect our natural heritage through innovative thinking and pioneering projects which break the mould of long-established conservation practice and strike a better balance for nature, traditional land use and the benefit of our diverse communities – now and for generations to come.
"It is with this in mind that I was inspired by Wild Ken Hill’s forward thinking and bold approach in tackling the challenges currently faced by land managers and conservationists alike, admirably bringing together agricultural and conservation practices, rewilding the landscape and restoring lost species to their rightful place in the ecosystem, whilst simultaneously helping mitigate climate change.
"With this unique vision the potential this project has for delivering a better equilibrium for biodiversity and sustainable food production is exciting in itself, but what also stands out for me is its potential to change perceptions in both the agricultural and conservation communities and beyond, inspire more collaborative working and demonstrate that conservation, agriculture and traditional land management can happily co-exist.
"It is a privilege to be a part of the team bringing this unique vision to life, and to be able to help make a difference to the future of our natural heritage in the UK in such a way."
His first few weeks have been spent familiarising himself with the estate, which is split in to three key areas: traditional conservation practice, regenerative agriculture, and rewilding, and together form a vast mosaic of habitats.
"Each of these areas is a wonderful voyage of discovery," he said, and added: "I feel like the proverbial kid in a sweetshop and we are only just beginning!"
