I am a passionate ecologist, botanist and amateur mycologist. My work focuses on habitat creation and management, biodiversity enhancement and natural capital. My interest in plant and habitat ecology led to a fascination in the unsung and unseen heroes of the ecosystem: the fungi. My enthusiasm culminated in a PhD in the ecology and conservation of heart-rot fungi, which has included the reintroduction of regionally extinct species. Throughout my career as an ecologist, I have become increasingly frustrated at the lack of consideration given to fungi in the fields of ecology and conservation.

Fusing my passion for fungi and my background in environmental impact assessment, my Fellowship involves travel to Chile, the only country in the world where fungi have the same protection from development afforded to fauna and flora. Conversations with ecologists, government agents and developers to understand the benefits, costs and drivers behind these protections can inform how such protections could be implemented here in the UK. Fungi are essential to ecosystem function and unless we start to recognise their importance in policy and legislation then I believe we risk system breakdown.