Work with us

Whether you’re a job hunter searching for your next enriching role, or you’re an organisation hoping to explore a long-lasting partnership with us, the Ernest Cook Trust is always open to working with people that bring fresh perspectives on learning and land.

Ernest Cook Trust -

Our roots

The Ernest Cook Trust’s roots remain deeply grounded in our founder’s passion for the countryside. When Ernest Cook encountered great wealth, he combined this good fortune with his belief in preserving a rural way of life. After buying several country estates, he eventually gave them to the Ernest Cook Trust – the educational charity he founded in 1952.

Tenant farmer, river keeper, Outdoor Learning Leader or apprentice – all of us are united by a shared vision and belief: that the land is for all of us. Just as Ernest would have wanted.

Our values

These values aren’t just kept on paper – they’re in our nature. We embody them every minute of every day and they guide not just the work we do but the way we do it. Whether that’s tending the landscape or teaching the next generation.

Cultivating connections

Creating a sense of connection and belonging — to the land, between each other, and with new audiences.

Freedom to try

Committing to our belief that learning helps us thrive — whether from each other or across our land.

Progressive stewardship

Acknowledging that adaptation is necessary and builds resilience, but is rooted in a deep care for the land.


Our team

We’re a friendly bunch and we all play our part in growing connections between people and the land, supporting Outdoor Learning and managing our estates.

Meet the team

Jon

Estate Worker

Claire M

Head of Estate Management

Vicki

Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships (North)

Anna

Office Manager

Louisa

Director of Finance

Toby G

Outdoor Learning Leader

Alison O

Research & Impact Lead

Lee

Estate Forester - Slimbridge

Stevie

Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships (South)

Ella

Outdoor Learning Leader / Research Assistant

Chris S

Maintenance & Construction Manager

Penny

Grants Manager

Faisal

Insights Lead

Isobel

Director of Communications & Engagement

Frances

Managing Agent

Mark

River Keeper

Alice

Outdoor Learning Leader

Liz

Outdoor Learning Development Manager

Sophie

People Experience Coordinator

Diane

Communications Manager

Alison C

Outdoor Learning Leader

Clare

Development Surveyor (temp)

Karen

Executive Coordinator (temp)

Pete

Land-based Skills Manager

Claire P

Director of People & Culture

Kate

Outdoor Learning Leader

Jon

Estate Worker

Claire M

Head of Estate Management

Vicki

Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships (North)

Anna

Office Manager

Louisa

Director of Finance

Toby G

Outdoor Learning Leader

Alison O

Research & Impact Lead

Lee

Estate Forester - Slimbridge

Stevie

Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships (South)

Ella

Outdoor Learning Leader / Research Assistant

Chris S

Maintenance & Construction Manager

Penny

Grants Manager

Faisal

Insights Lead

Isobel

Director of Communications & Engagement

Frances

Managing Agent

Mark

River Keeper

Alice

Outdoor Learning Leader

Liz

Outdoor Learning Development Manager

Sophie

People Experience Coordinator

Diane

Communications Manager

Alison C

Outdoor Learning Leader

Clare

Development Surveyor (temp)

Karen

Executive Coordinator (temp)

Pete

Land-based Skills Manager

Claire P

Director of People & Culture

Kate

Outdoor Learning Leader

Louise

Learning Operations & Training Coordinator

Jennifer

Property Manager & Estates Administrator

Katherine

Outdoor Learning Leader

Dionne

Learning Operations Administrator (North)

Victoria B

Head of Environment & Natural Capital

Susie G

Land-based Skills Manager (North)

Ed Ikin

Chief Executive

Amy

Outdoor Learning Leader (Land-based Skills)

Amanda

Governance & Compliance Officer

Robyn

Youth Leadership Programmes Manager

Chris N

Gardener & General Estate Worker - Fairford

Zane

Management Accountant

Michael D

Estate Woodman & Maintenance Worker - Little Dalby

Sally

Programme Networks Manager

Dylan

Land-based Skills Assistant

Hector

Farm Manager (Learning)

Rachel

Office Coordinator

Jane

Outdoor Learning Leader

Toby R

Land-based Skills Leader

Marcia

Property Manager & Estates Administrator

Mark

Digital Content Manager

Steve

Estate Ranger - Fairford

Cat

Head of Finance

Michael B

Director of Land, Property & Commercial Development

Sarah

Director of Learning, Grants & Partnerships

Jake

Woodland Ranger

Louise

Learning Operations & Training Coordinator

Jennifer

Property Manager & Estates Administrator

Katherine

Outdoor Learning Leader

Dionne

Learning Operations Administrator (North)

Victoria B

Head of Environment & Natural Capital

Susie G

Land-based Skills Manager (North)

Ed Ikin

Chief Executive

Amy

Outdoor Learning Leader (Land-based Skills)

Amanda

Governance & Compliance Officer

Robyn

Youth Leadership Programmes Manager

Chris N

Gardener & General Estate Worker - Fairford

Zane

Management Accountant

Michael D

Estate Woodman & Maintenance Worker - Little Dalby

Sally

Programme Networks Manager

Dylan

Land-based Skills Assistant

Hector

Farm Manager (Learning)

Rachel

Office Coordinator

Jane

Outdoor Learning Leader

Toby R

Land-based Skills Leader

Marcia

Property Manager & Estates Administrator

Mark

Digital Content Manager

Steve

Estate Ranger - Fairford

Cat

Head of Finance

Michael B

Director of Land, Property & Commercial Development

Sarah

Director of Learning, Grants & Partnerships

Jake

Woodland Ranger

Connecting with colleagues, a bloom of experts in their field, is always a delight. Conversations can dart from spotting water voles on the River Coln, to our latest endeavours in teacher training, to shaping our future as a modern grant-maker – I’m always learning.

Sarah White, Director of Learning, Grants & Partnerships