Jonathan Greenslade

Research Officer, Wetland Bioscience

About me

Having always had an interest in our natural world, I chose to complete a BSc in Biosciences at the University of Exeter followed by an MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation at Imperial's Silwood Park. Before, between and since these degrees I have been privileged to work with some excellent conservation scientists across a broad range of research projects. These include understanding the impacts of elephants and fire on forest reserves in northern Botswana; joining a ZSL team to conduct the first full survey of the third-longest coral reef in the world; and, most recently, working with a research centre to understand species diversity changes in the Doñana wetlands. Whilst research is necessary for effective conservation, for me, one of WWT’s major strengths is that its research directly informs action which is desperately needed to conserve some of the most threatened but crucial habitats and species around the world.

My role

Having recently joined the Conservation Evidence Department, I am excited to be developing my role across a broad swathe of WWT’s strategy, with a current focus on freshwater fish and how we can improve the connectivity of their habitats as well as understand the drivers of their decline. I am currently working to design field survey methods overseas, write reports for funders and learn new methods for assessing fish populations. The learning element is one of my favourite aspects of this role and, as my work covers both UK and international projects, there’s certainly no end to that in sight. I have also maintained good relationships with researchers I have previously worked with and continue to collaborate on associated projects. This, as well as effective communication of research outputs, is paramount to affecting well-guided positive change, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

Experience and interests

• Community analyses
• Collaboration
• Research design
• Fieldwork