Location: Thursley NNR, Surrey. Site base: The Barn, Lower House Road, Bowlhead Green, Surrey GU8 6NW
The Role
The Senior Reserve Manager (SRM) role leads the management of Natural England’s National Nature Reserves (NNRs) within the Thames Solent Team.
This SRM post will focus on Thursley NNR, situated within the Surrey Hills National Landscape. At 325 hectares it is one of the largest remaining fragments of heathland in Surrey, consisting of extensive areas of dry heath, peat bogs, and woodland and is home to many species of rare birds and invertebrates.
The job requires a combination of technical and practical land management knowledge and a developed understanding of the ecology and management of relevant habitats.
Thursley NNR is immensely popular, attracting large numbers of visitors. Managing high levels of recreational pressure and the annual threat of wildfires, is therefore a key part of this role, as is the ability to work collaboratively with local communities, visitors, volunteers and partners.
The job requires a combination of technical and practical land management knowledge and a well-developed understanding of the ecology and management of relevant habitats – with an understanding of SSSI condition and an awareness of the contribution required to support the delivery of Natural England’s Strategy, the NNR Strategy and the 25 Year Environment Plan.
The Senior Reserve Manager at Thursley will play a key role within the new Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve (NNR), a 2,700 ha landscape-scale partnership NNR in southwest Surrey, combining Thursley NNR and partner-managed lands.
Forming part of The King’s Series of NNRs, this initiative involves nine landowners and stakeholders—including Surrey Wildlife Trust, Waverley Borough Council, and Hampton Estate—working collaboratively to restore ecological function, enhance habitat connectivity, and contribute meaningfully to the UK’s 30 by 30 biodiversity targets.
The postholder will be expected to actively engage with the NNR partnership to help deliver shared nature recovery goals, improve access and community engagement, and advance sustainable land management across this priority heathland landscape.
To apply, visit this link:Senior Reserve Manager, Thursley National Nature Reserve (Ref: 6267) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK
