Leigh Marshall
Head of Reserves Management
Contact details
About me
I've had a rewarding 34-year career in conservation, working across a wide range of habitats and organisations in the UK-from wetlands, heathlands and fens to Scottish mountains and bogs, as well as remote locations like the Isle of Noss, Shetland and the Farne Islands.
My passion has always been doing the very best for conservation and the species we support on reserves. I'm an all-round self-taught ecologist, though birds, moths and butterflies have always been my main interests. Outside of work, I've spent many trips exploring remote parts of the world, enjoying both wildlife and the cultures and people I encounter along the way.
I've been fortunate to work with a wide range of extremely talented people over the past 34 years, and I'm very grateful for how this has shaped my ecological knowledge, practical reserve management skills, and creative, determined approach to finding solutions and delivering results in the challenging world of protecting habitats and species.
I'm now focused on bringing that experience together to support WWT reserves across the UK and work collaboratively to keep pushing forward for conservation as we adapt to an ever-changing environment.
I'm at my happiest immersed in wildlife in large open rugged spaces, or spending hours completely absorbed emptying a moth trap after a good night's catch.
My role
As Head of Reserves, I support WWT reserves to improve habitats, increase species diversity, and create more wetlands for both wildlife and people to enjoy. This also includes working at a landscape scale and bringing together the right people from a wide range of backgrounds and sectors to support conservation.
Experience and interests
- Extensive Practical experience managing nature reserves across the UK.
- Extensive experience in species protection and monitoring across a wide range of UK taxa.
- A strong track record of creating engaging wildlife experiences in innovative ways, without compromising habitats or species.
- Managed Welney Wetland Centre/Reserve for 18 years, overseeing a 1,300-acre internationally important wetland, along with its visitor facilities.
- Led the creation of a 300-acre wetland at zero cost to WWT, while also developing sustainable income streams including a café, shop and two Airbnb properties
- Pride in building strong teams and delivering results through collaboration.
- Extremely broad experience working with diverse people and navigating challenging situations to bring the best outcome for nature conservation.