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.

Job opportunities
A life learning from the land is in your hands, and it’s possible for all of us. Remember, whatever your position at the Ernest Cook Trust, be sure to keep a pair of wellies close by.
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.

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