We are Recruiting!

Posted
on

Reserve Manager

Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve 

Catterick Garrison, Richmondshire

Full Time – Based on NJC SCP 15 - £31,015 per annum


Foxglove Covert is a progressive and ambitious Local Nature Reserve (LNR). It is of local and national significance in its own right and plays a pivotal role in nature conservation activities within a 125,000 acre military training estate.

 

The 100-acre reserve is currently in receipt of a range of funding including individual and trust donations and the MoD. With a purpose-built Field Centre and up to 10,000 visitors each year, the reserve seeks to be:

• A space for nature to recover and thrive in a time of challenge.

• A place for people to connect with nature and enjoy better health and wellbeing, where they can learn new skills, meet new friends and feel at their best.

• A site that is an exemplar in halting biodiversity loss, in practicing and promoting informed and innovative land management, in environmental education and in natural inspiration.

• A natural haven for all.

We have an exciting opportunity to recruit a new Reserve Manager to lead on the conservation management of the Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve including managing staff and volunteers.

You will co-ordinate all practical habitat conservation work, including designing and delivering funded projects to be implemented by volunteers and contractors. This will involve working closely with the MoD, statutory bodies, partner organisations, volunteers and the Board of Trustees.

 

A key role is to advise the Foundation and lead staff and volunteers on the management of species and habitats; with a view to demonstrating innovative and pioneering habitat management.

You must be able to demonstrate your achievements, flair and enthusiasm. You may have extensive experience in practical conservation management and managing volunteers, but transferrable skills, energy and commitment are equally important to us.

The role is both demanding and rewarding; bringing new and exciting opportunities to shape the future of a special and much-loved place as we embark on an ambitious period of increased access; genuine commitment is essential.

For an application form please email admin@thefoxglovecovertfoundation.org.uk


Closing date for applications: Noon on Tuesday 1st September 2026

Interviews to be held on: Friday 11th September 2026 at Foxglove Covert

See below for the full job description and person specification.

 

Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve

Reserve Manager

Job Description & Person Specification – July 2026

Background

Foxglove Covert is a progressive and ambitious Local Nature Reserve (LNR).  It is of local and national significance in its own right and plays a pivotal role in nature conservation activities within a 125,000 acre military training estate.  

The 100 acre reserve is currently in receipt of a range of funding including individual and trust donations and the MoD.  With a purpose-built Field Centre and 10,000 visitors each year, the reserve seeks to be:

• A space for nature to recover and thrive in a time of challenge. 

• A place for people to connect with nature and enjoy better health and wellbeing, where they can learn new skills, meet new friends and feel at their best. 

• A site that is an exemplar in halting biodiversity loss, in practicing and promoting informed and innovative land management, in environmental education and in natural inspiration. 

• A natural haven for all.

For this post, ideally, we require someone with proven knowledge, experience, and a passion for nature conservation.  Working closely with the Board the post holder will help shape, develop and implement the vision and supporting plans towards a sustainable future for the reserve.  Effective engagement and relationship building with the MOD, partner organisations, the wider military community and the general public will be essential.

The successful candidate will preferably have experience of working in and/or managing a small field centre, nature reserve and volunteers.  They must have the flair, leadership, team focus and interpersonal skills to deliver the reserve’s busy activity and engagement schedule, whilst managing competing priorities and facilitating the experience of visitors, special interest and school groups. 

The ability to deliver best practice in habitat and species management is essential, along with an enthusiasm to promote the Reserve, activities and general environmental awareness in the local community.  

The role is both demanding and rewarding; bringing new and exciting opportunities to shape the future of a special and much loved place; genuine commitment is essential.

 

Job Description

The main components of the job are to:

  • Oversee the day-to-day running of the reserve and work to ensure its successful long-term future, through the delivery of an Annual Work Plan.

  • Manage a delegated budget within a framework of financial controls.

  • Play a lead role in the maintenance and enhancement of Foxglove Covert LNR, including the field centre and other infrastructure, habitats and the footpath network within the site.  This will include identifying and planning work, use of machinery, power tools, chain saws etc and managing a large, knowledgeable, and very active volunteer base.  

  • Work closely and effectively with the Board of The Foxglove Covert Foundation to develop and champion the Reserve Management Plan within a sustainable strategic vision for the reserve.

  • Line-manage reserve staff and build a successful, performance orientated team.

  • Ensure the delivery of targets required by the Board, and agreed commitments as appropriate.

  • Act as a point of contact and raise the profile of the reserve alongside team members.

  • Work with the team to ensure excellent, inspirational visitor experience standards. 

  • Maintain a safe environment for staff, volunteers and visitors following Health and Safety guidance.

  • Facilitate group visits and guided walks, where appropriate in partnership with the Foxglove Volunteers.

  • Work with the team to promote and strengthen marketing of the reserve, audience development and relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including the military, their dependents, local community groups, organisations and individuals.

  • Develop the educational potential of the site at all levels and promote  education and training programmes, including training for volunteers.

  • Support the Friends Group, Foxglove LNR Volunteers and ensure effective operational management.

  • Oversee the maintenance of in-house recordkeeping and compliance with monitoring requirements.

  • Liaise effectively and work with external professionals, partner organisations, contractors and amateur enthusiasts to achieve the reserve’s conservation objectives.

  • Undertake such other duties as may be required from time to time by the Board of The Foxglove Covert Foundation.

Hours of work

The normal hours of work will be 37½ hours per week.  The post holder must be able to work flexibly including some evenings and weekends to meet the needs of visitors and to satisfy the promotional aspects of the post.  This post will involve regular weekend working including alternate Sundays with time off in lieu taken during the week. 

Contract period and salary

The post is subject to completion of a satisfactory probation period.

Salary aligned with the National Joint Council SCP 15, currently £31,015 per annum.

Closing date for applications: Noon on Tuesday 1st September 2026

Interviews to be held on: Friday 11th September 2026 at Foxglove Covert

 

Person Specification

 

Area 

Essential 

Desirable 

Qualifications 

  • Full driving licence  

  • Recognised qualification in nature conservation or habitat management or an allied field 

  • First aid certificate 

  • Recognised qualifications in the use and maintenance of machinery e.g., brushcutter, chain saw, scythes etc. 

Experience 

  • A track record of experience in nature conservation and practical habitat management including the development and monitoring of environmental / habitat management plans 

  • Experience of working with the community, educational groups and visitors 

  • Experience of working with and managing a group of enthusiastic volunteers with diverse skills 

  • Public speaking or presentations to groups 

  • Experience of initiating and managing projects   

  • Previous work on sites of nature conservation interest, especially those containing woodland, fen, moorland, heathland and freshwater habitats 

 

Knowledge 

  • A sound knowledge of the philosophy, practice and techniques used in species and habitat management 

  • A general knowledge and passion for nature and nature conservation 

  • Detailed knowledge of a particular field, e.g., Ornithology, Botany, Lepidoptera, habitat management, conservation 

  • Working knowledge of Health and Safety law and practice and statutory compliance 

 

 

Skills 

  • Leadership and management skills 

  • IT skills 

  • Budget Management 

  • Planning,  scheduling and the monitoring of programme delivery 

  • Strong interpersonal skills and a friendly nature 

 

Communications 

  • The ability to communicate enthusiastically and effectively both orally and in writing 

  • The ability to tailor communications to the needs of the audience 

  • Experience of working with the media 

  • An understanding of social media 

Personal effectiveness 

  • A high degree of flexibility and innovation in dealing with a range of issues 

  • Able to work without supervision to achieve deadlines 

  • A willingness to attempt unfamiliar tasks and to ask for guidance when required 

 

Working with others 

  • Ability to work with and enthuse others including staff and volunteers 

  • The ability to forge, influence and maintain successful partnerships 

  • High motivation and experience of working as a team member  

 

Promoting Quality 

  • Ability to develop and promote high quality standards and to encourage others to work to them 

  • Promote excellence of the visitor experience 

 

Flexibility 

  • Willingness to adopt a flexible approach to working patterns 

  • Willingness to work off-site 

  • Willingness to work in a range of conditions 

 

For an application form please email admin@thefoxglovecovertfoundation.org.uk


Closing date for applications: Noon on Tuesday 1st September 2026

Interviews to be held on: Friday 11th September 2026 at Foxglove Covert