Alex Hughes

Project Manager (International Engagement)

About me

Ever since I was young I’ve had a strong interest in animals and nature. This led me to my degree in Biology and Animal Behaviour - during which I spent much of my third year training bumble bees! In my Master’s degree I looked at human stress levels after handling snakes, alongside volunteering in the herpetology department at ZSL London Zoo. I assisted with the Asian Turtle Programme in Cuc Phuong National Park in Vietnam and observed the challenges of the illegal wildlife trade. This led to a further interest in human behaviour change and led me down the conservation education route. I worked as presenter at Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts, then project managed a community engagement project, the Brighton Dolphin Project, and opened a visitor centre on Brighton beach. I later worked as an education officer at Tilgate Nature Centre, working on all aspects of education and engagement. I am passionate about sustainability and developed an award-winning campaign and site report whilst working there. I really like herptiles and sit on the BIAZA RAWG (reptile and amphibian working group) steering group.

My role

I work within the international engagement team to deliver CEPA (Communication, Capacity Building, Education, Participation and Awareness Raising) services to global partners. This includes working within the WLI (Wetland Link International) network.

I am also working within a team to develop the Wetland Learning Hub, in addition to exploring how we can offer aspects of the WWT education and engagement model as a product/service for wetlands and wetland centres around the world.

Experience and interests

• Communication
• Education and engagement
• Creative
• Presentation
• Interpretation content and design
• Visitor centre development