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 -

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.

Meet the team

Claire P

Director of People & Culture

Susie G

Land-based Skills Manager (North)

Toby R

Land-based Skills Leader

Alice

Outdoor Learning Leader

Alison C

Outdoor Learning Leader

Rachel

Office Coordinator

Dionne

Learning Operations Administrator (North)

Diane

Communications Manager

Louise

Learning Operations & Training Coordinator

Victoria B

Environment & Natural Capital

Hector

Farm Manager (Learning)

Sarah

Director of Learning, Grants & Partnerships

Marcia

Property Manager & Estates Administrator

Zane

Management Accountant

Penny

Grants Manager

Isobel

Director of Communications & Engagement

Alison O

Research & Impact Lead

Kate

Outdoor Learning Leader

Frances

Managing Agent

Katherine

Outdoor Learning Leader

Steve

Estate Ranger - Fairford

Amy

Outdoor Learning Leader (Land-based Skills)

Michael D

Estate Woodman & Maintenance Worker - Little Dalby

Claire P

Director of People & Culture

Susie G

Land-based Skills Manager (North)

Toby R

Land-based Skills Leader

Alice

Outdoor Learning Leader

Alison C

Outdoor Learning Leader

Rachel

Office Coordinator

Dionne

Learning Operations Administrator (North)

Diane

Communications Manager

Louise

Learning Operations & Training Coordinator

Victoria B

Environment & Natural Capital

Hector

Farm Manager (Learning)

Sarah

Director of Learning, Grants & Partnerships

Marcia

Property Manager & Estates Administrator

Zane

Management Accountant

Penny

Grants Manager

Isobel

Director of Communications & Engagement

Alison O

Research & Impact Lead

Kate

Outdoor Learning Leader

Frances

Managing Agent

Katherine

Outdoor Learning Leader

Steve

Estate Ranger - Fairford

Amy

Outdoor Learning Leader (Land-based Skills)

Michael D

Estate Woodman & Maintenance Worker - Little Dalby

Ed Ikin

Chief Executive

Chris N

Gardener & General Estate Worker - Fairford

Amanda

PA to Director of Land, Property & Commercial Development

Louisa

Director of Finance

Jon

Estate Worker

Robyn

Youth Leadership Programmes Manager

Anna

Office Manager

Ella

Outdoor Learning Leader / Research Assistant

Toby G

Outdoor Learning Leader

Sophie

People Experience Coordinator

Vicki

Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships (North)

Jane

Outdoor Learning Leader

Mark

River Keeper

Jennifer

Property Manager & Estates Administrator

Liz

Outdoor Learning Development Manager

Lee

Estate Forester - Slimbridge

Pete

Land-based Skills Manager

Chris S

Maintenance & Construction Manager

Michael B

Director of Land, Property & Commercial Development

Theo

Trainee Outdoor Learning Leader

Claire M

Head of Estate Management

Jake

Woodland Ranger

Sally

Programme Networks Manager

Ed Ikin

Chief Executive

Chris N

Gardener & General Estate Worker - Fairford

Amanda

PA to Director of Land, Property & Commercial Development

Louisa

Director of Finance

Jon

Estate Worker

Robyn

Youth Leadership Programmes Manager

Anna

Office Manager

Ella

Outdoor Learning Leader / Research Assistant

Toby G

Outdoor Learning Leader

Sophie

People Experience Coordinator

Vicki

Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships (North)

Jane

Outdoor Learning Leader

Mark

River Keeper

Jennifer

Property Manager & Estates Administrator

Liz

Outdoor Learning Development Manager

Lee

Estate Forester - Slimbridge

Pete

Land-based Skills Manager

Chris S

Maintenance & Construction Manager

Michael B

Director of Land, Property & Commercial Development

Theo

Trainee Outdoor Learning Leader

Claire M

Head of Estate Management

Jake

Woodland Ranger

Sally

Programme Networks Manager

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