Wild Advisors Directory
We’re here to help you
We connect people and projects across the Lower Ouse Valley with local expertise in nature restoration, rewilding, growing food, wellbeing, creative nature connection and so much more by providing free advice.
How to Get Started
It’s easy to get started: join the People’s Park for Nature by signing up to the charter (it’s free!), browse our Wild Advisor Directory below, and contact us to request an advisor who can offer free guidance, ideas, and hands-on support for your project or initiative.
Jump to a Theme:
Rewilding & Nature Restoration
Community Growing & Nature-Based Living
Outdoor Learning, Story-telling, & Wellbeing
Arts & Crafts for Nature Connection
Nature-Based Tourism & Communications
Rewilding & Nature Restoration
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Leasa Williams
REWILDING AND NATURE RECOVERY ADVISOR
I’m a nature-loving advocate for rewilding and environmental education, with experience in river restoration, regenerative agriculture, and permaculture. I’m passionate about inspiring young people to connect with nature and helping others value and make space for it.
Qualifications: Rewilding Traineeship, River Restoration Cert, Permaculture, Ecotherapy, Forest School (in progress).
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Atlanta Cook
MARINE ENVIRONMENT CONSULTANT & NATURE FARMING
With over 30 years’ experience in water conservation, I help people understand and protect their water sources and coastal waters. Through Landtribe, I support “Nature Farming” projects integrating people with ecological restoration.
Qualifications: 30+ years in marine conservation and volunteer management.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley. -

Brett North
FRESHWATER BIOLOGIST & POND EXPERT
I’ve created ecological landscapes in multiple countries for over 20 years, focusing on freshwater and edible environments. I advise on creating ponds and wetlands that enhance biodiversity and resilience.
Qualifications: Degree in Freshwater Biology, Permaculture Design Course
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley
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Peter Thurman
TREES & LANDSCAPE
Tree management, maintenance, selection, and planting advice. I help create resilient treescapes that are safe, biodiverse, and well-designed.
Qualifications: Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Ecology & Landscape Design.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Sarah Louise Rideout
GARDENING & BIODIVERSITY ADVISOR
Helping people reconnect with nature through community gardening for 25 years. I advise on native planting, soils, and wildlife-friendly design.
Qualifications: FSC Biodiversity Net Gain (2025), Thrive, Permaculture, composting & wildlife certifications.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Dylan Walker
COMMUNITY REWILDING & ECOLOGICAL ADVICE
I help people rewild green spaces using techniques that mimic the activities of large predators and herbivores that once roamed the Ouse Valley. From building beaver dams to rooting up lawns like wild boars, I help groups reconnect with the land and its wildlife - past, present, and future.
Qualifications: BSc Ecology, MSc Marine Mammal Science.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Krzysztof Szaniawski
WOODLAND GUIDE
Manager of Laughton Greenwood CBS (170-acre community woodland). Advises on woodland ecology, management, and connection.
Qualifications: Royal Forestry Society member; RFS, Plumpton College & Small Woods training.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Lewes Swift Supporters
SWIFT CONSERVATION
We advise residents on installing Swift nest boxes and House Martin cup nests, sharing resources and practical help to make gardens more “swift-friendly.”
Travel: Within Lewes town
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Name shared privately
BIODIVERSITY ADVISOR
I advise on garden wilding, conservation sessions, walk leading, and citizen science projects involving groups.
Qualifications: Outdoor First Aid, PhD (near completion) in Ecology.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
Community Growing & Nature-Based Living
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Mark Charlton
MARKET GARDENER
I advise on vegetable growing, rainwater capture, herbal remedies, foraging, and holistic land management for community gardens.Qualifications: MA Ethnobotany; trained with Charles Dowding & Jean-Martin Fortier.
Travel: Within 5 miles of Lewes.
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Katharine Finnigan
COMMUNITY GROWING PROJECT MANAGER (HANDS-ON)
I design and manage social and environmental projects with strong community engagement and volunteer coordination.Qualifications: MA Environment, Development & Policy; First Aid.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Susanna Longley
WILLOW GROWER & WEAVER
I grow and weave with willow, maintaining osier beds and reviving traditional skills. I can advise on planting and weaving for creative and ecological use.
Qualifications: BSc Horticulture (University of London, Wye College)Travel: Within 5 miles of Lewes.
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Michael Kennard
SOIL NERD & COMPOST CURATOR
I advise on soil regeneration, composting, and living soil principles to support resilient ecosystems.
Qualifications: Founder of Compost Club, regenerative farmer.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Name shared privately
COMMUNITY FOOD GROWING & SCHOOLS
I support school and community gardens, helping children and adults connect with nature and food-growing projects.
Qualifications: Climate literacy training, First Aid.Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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OVESCO Energy Advisors
FREE ENERGY ADVICE
Our community energy champions offer free, impartial advice and support around energy use in the home, including energy saving tips and retrofitting.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
Outdoor Learning, Story-telling & Wellbeing
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Marina Robb
NATURE-BASED PRACTICE CONSULTANT
With 30 years in outdoor education and health, I train practitioners and work with the NHS to embed nature-based practice into mainstream care.
Qualifications: MSc Environmental Education & Management, Forest School Endorsed Trainer.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.Travel: Within 5 miles.
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Katharina Manville Muench
VOLUNTEERING & COMMUNITIES OFFICER
Experienced in community engagement through the Changing Chalk partnership, helping people create wildlife-friendly spaces and nurture belonging.
Qualifications: Level 4 Apprenticeship in Cultural Learning & Participation (Distinction), MHFA, Intro to Horticulture.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Julie Wright
NATURE-CONNECTION FOR WELLBEING FACILITATOR
Co-founder of a nature-connection charity offering creative, mindful, and inclusive workshops that deepen care for the natural world.
Qualifications: Ecotherapy, Group Facilitation, Conservation Skills, Therapeutic Arts, EDI & MHFA.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Hannah Armstrong
FOREST BATHING GUIDE
Trained in Shinrin-Yoku, I lead immersive sensory walks and outdoor wellbeing events such as Fire & Feast and Craft & Connection.
Qualifications: Forest Bathing+ Guide, Outdoor First Aid, Forest School Assistant.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Atlanta Cook
TEACH ON THE BEACH EDUCATOR
I run creative coastal sessions — from beach cleans to “tideline timelines” — inspiring curiosity and wellbeing by the sea.
Qualifications: 30+ years in conservation and education; eco-education centre founder.Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Name shared privately
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR
I support schools and communities in outdoor learning, helping everyone build personal connections with nature.
Qualifications: Outdoor First Aid, Forest School Level 3, additional short courses in ecology and outdoor education.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
Arts & Crafts for Nature Connection
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Jennifer Moore
WILDLIFE ILLUSTRATOR
I run art workshops exploring nature, wildlife, and ecology — suitable for beginners, families, and community groups.
Qualifications: Diploma in Geosciences (Open University).
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Barbara Keal
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION ARTIST & FELT MAKER
Artist and facilitator of the Coat of Hopes, exploring belonging and change through creative collaboration, walking, and making.
Qualifications: Degree in Fine Art.Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Karen Poley
ARTIST & EVENT PRODUCER
Creator of performances and installations on sustainability and place. Offers advice on creative engagement, fundraising, and event design.
Qualifications: Member of Outdoor Arts UK.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Steffi Guenther
NATURAL MATERIAL CRAFTS
I teach traditional crafts using local natural materials like wool and deer skin — promoting outdoor creativity, wellbeing, and circular use of resources.Qualifications: Woodland Management, Bushcraft, Plant ID, Outdoor First Aid, Safeguarding.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Name shared privately
WILDLIFE ARTIST & TREE HUGGER
I take practical action to enrich flora and fauna and create outdoor art inspired by nature. I work with groups and individuals to help achieve their ecological and artistic goals.
Qualifications: Experience setting up Lewes Climate Hub and community art organisation.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
Nature-based Tourism & Communications
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Tim Bullen
CAMPSITE OWNER
I run a wildlife-focused campsite hosting festivals, talks, and guided walks connecting people with nature. I combine marketing and branding experience with a passion for nature-led tourism.
Qualifications: Degree in Agriculture, Permaculture Design Course.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Helen Frederick
COMMUNITY BUILDING, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
I support inclusive community projects through effective communication, facilitation, and accessible digital strategies.
Experience: Community engagement, local government, and volunteer coordination.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.
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Scarlet Sherriff
CREATIVE SUSTAINABILITY EXPERT
I help communities design sustainable tourism initiatives that protect and celebrate nature through creative storytelling and local partnerships.
Qualifications: MSc Global Challenges (Sustainability), BA Acting & Contemporary Theatre.
Travel: Within 5 miles of Newhaven.
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Name shared privately
NATURE & RENEWABLES COMMS & DESIGN
I support local nature-based businesses with design, communication, social media, and press to maximize impact.
Qualifications: Professional experience in communications and design.
Travel: Within 5 miles of Barcombe.
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Name shared privately
NATURE TOURISM EXPERT
I advise on engaging communities and businesses in nature tourism, promoting sustainability and native species awareness.
Qualifications: Postgraduate certificate in Responsible Tourism, landscape & habitat training, carbon literacy.
Travel: Anywhere in the Lower Ouse Valley.