Working with people for nature
I am Dr Graham Tucker and, following 36 years of professional experience working in NGOs, consultancies and the Institute for European Environmental Policy, established Nature Conservation Consulting in 2021 to provide personal, independent advice and other assistance to those seeking to conserve nature in the UK and elsewhere in Europe
My background
After gaining an MSc and PhD in ecology, I started my professional career in 1986 at the British Trust for Ornithology carrying out field research on farmland bird ecology. After moving to the BirdLife International secretariat in 1990, I coordinated the first ever assessment of the conservation status of birds in Europe, followed by a series of strategies to conserve birds’ habitats in Europe. This was followed by a period of environmental consultancy (seven years as Technical Director of Ecoscope Applied Ecologists) and then three years as a freelance consultant.
In 2008, I joined the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), as the Head of the Biodiversity Programme, leading on a wide range of UK and EU policy issues. Key work areas included the Birds and Habitats Directives, EU Biodiversity Strategies, agriculture and bioenergy policies, policy options to achieve no-net-loss of biodiversity, and climate change adaptation and ecosystem restoration, including in relation to the current proposed Nature Restoration Law. In 2021 I established Nature Conservation Consulting and left IEEP, although I still have an Associate status and collaborate on some projects.
I spent a few years recently writing and editing a book – Nature Conservation in Europe: Approaches and Lessons. With contributions from 52 national experts it provides a detailed description and critical analysis of nature conservation strategies actions in the UK and 25 other European countries. It was published by Cambridge University Press in May 2023, available via: Nature conservation europe approaches and lessons | Ecology and conservation | Cambridge University Press.
Reviews:
- ‘It is likely to become a foundational text for conservation professionals, policy-makers, researchers and students for years to come.‘ The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.
- ‘Overall then a fascinating, comprehensive and thought provoking account of nature conservation in Europe over 40 years that has been curated with care.’ Ian Jardine (British Wildlife Magazine).
I have also written or edited several books or book chapters, including co-editing Biodiversity Offsets: European Perspectives on No Net Loss of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and contributed to chapters in The Economics of Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity in National and International Policy Making (TEEB).
What I am offering now for nature conservation
Policy analysis
E.g. in relation to nature conservation and restoration strategies and policies; agriculture, bioenergy and other landuses, and protected areas.
Ecological advice
E.g. in relation to nature restoration / rewilding, biodiversity net gain, climate change adaptation and local nature recovery strategies.
Environmental writing
E.g. literature reviews, investigative reports, briefing documents, blogs, website content and campaign materials.
Project management
E.g.
management of projects / components, advice and mentoring, independent reviews
and Quality Assurance.