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.

Victoria B
Environment & Natural Capital

Jane
Outdoor Learning Leader

Lee
Estate Forester - Slimbridge

Isobel
Director of Communications & Engagement

Amanda
Governance & Compliance Officer

Michael D
Estate Woodman & Maintenance Worker - Little Dalby

Amy
Outdoor Learning Leader (Land-based Skills)

Marcia
Property Manager & Estates Administrator

Kate
Outdoor Learning Leader

Jake
Woodland Ranger

Karen
Executive Coordinator (temp)

Sally
Programme Networks Manager

Zane
Management Accountant

Frances
Managing Agent

Chris N
Gardener & General Estate Worker - Fairford

Alison C
Outdoor Learning Leader

Cat
Head of Finance

Steve
Estate Ranger - Fairford

Hector
Farm Manager (Learning)

Rachel
Office Coordinator

Jennifer
Property Manager & Estates Administrator

Alison O
Research & Impact Lead

Louisa
Director of Finance

Robyn
Youth Leadership Programmes Manager

Dionne
Learning Operations Administrator (North)

Liz
Outdoor Learning Development Manager

Victoria B
Environment & Natural Capital

Jane
Outdoor Learning Leader

Lee
Estate Forester - Slimbridge

Isobel
Director of Communications & Engagement

Amanda
Governance & Compliance Officer

Michael D
Estate Woodman & Maintenance Worker - Little Dalby

Amy
Outdoor Learning Leader (Land-based Skills)

Marcia
Property Manager & Estates Administrator

Kate
Outdoor Learning Leader

Jake
Woodland Ranger

Karen
Executive Coordinator (temp)

Sally
Programme Networks Manager

Zane
Management Accountant

Frances
Managing Agent

Chris N
Gardener & General Estate Worker - Fairford

Alison C
Outdoor Learning Leader

Cat
Head of Finance

Steve
Estate Ranger - Fairford

Hector
Farm Manager (Learning)

Rachel
Office Coordinator

Jennifer
Property Manager & Estates Administrator

Alison O
Research & Impact Lead

Louisa
Director of Finance

Robyn
Youth Leadership Programmes Manager

Dionne
Learning Operations Administrator (North)

Liz
Outdoor Learning Development Manager

Diane
Communications Manager

Katherine
Outdoor Learning Leader

Anna
Office Manager

Dylan
Land-based Skills Assistant

Vicki
Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships (North)

Sophie
People Experience Coordinator

Claire M
Head of Estate Management

Faisal
Insights Lead

Claire P
Director of People & Culture

Michael B
Director of Land, Property & Commercial Development

Alice
Outdoor Learning Leader

Mark
Digital Content Manager

Toby G
Outdoor Learning Leader

Pete
Land-based Skills Manager

Clare
Development Surveyor (temp)

Louise
Learning Operations & Training Coordinator

Mark
River Keeper

Sarah
Director of Learning, Grants & Partnerships

Jon
Estate Worker

Ed Ikin
Chief Executive

Penny
Grants Manager

Chris S
Maintenance & Construction Manager

Susie G
Land-based Skills Manager (North)

Toby R
Land-based Skills Leader

Ella
Outdoor Learning Leader / Research Assistant

Stevie
Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships (South)

Diane
Communications Manager

Katherine
Outdoor Learning Leader

Anna
Office Manager

Dylan
Land-based Skills Assistant

Vicki
Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships (North)

Sophie
People Experience Coordinator

Claire M
Head of Estate Management

Faisal
Insights Lead

Claire P
Director of People & Culture

Michael B
Director of Land, Property & Commercial Development

Alice
Outdoor Learning Leader

Mark
Digital Content Manager

Toby G
Outdoor Learning Leader

Pete
Land-based Skills Manager

Clare
Development Surveyor (temp)

Louise
Learning Operations & Training Coordinator

Mark
River Keeper

Sarah
Director of Learning, Grants & Partnerships

Jon
Estate Worker

Ed Ikin
Chief Executive

Penny
Grants Manager

Chris S
Maintenance & Construction Manager

Susie G
Land-based Skills Manager (North)

Toby R
Land-based Skills Leader

Ella
Outdoor Learning Leader / Research Assistant

Stevie
Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships (South)
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