Jonathan Briggs

Head Ground Person for E&FD

What do you do?

I started my career in September 2006 as a trainee at Houghall College for a NVQ level 2 placement in Amenity Horticulturalist. Since 2017 I have been in my present job role - Head Grounds Person for Estates & Facilities Department - Garden & Grounds Department.

How are you involved in this area of science? 

• Creating new & improved habitats
• New scientific ways of land management & usage
• Woodland restoration, enhancement of mosaic environment
• Pond creation/enhancement for Biodiversity
• Wetland habitat creation
• Wildlife management
• Student & staff engagement, along with working groups stakeholders and wider community

What do you love about this topic?

I've always been drawn to the outdoors since I was a young lad with an appreciation of natural landscapes. Especially different creations within the natural structures around the world, and I have a keen interest in wildlife ecology especially when it comes to woodlands. 

How does this work deliver real-world impact?

Durham University is at the forefront of Biodiversity strategy, leading for the rest of the UK and the northern region to follow. Durham is a key stakeholder in the environmental culture change going forward.