Jemma
Maguire

Why did you choose to study at NTU?

After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Brighton, I returned home to Nottingham to pursue my Master’s. NTU quickly stood out to me, especially with the course being based at Brackenhurst Campus and its CIEEM accreditation, making it an easy choice to apply.

What were the most important things you learned at NTU?

One of the most important aspects of my time at NTU was the emphasis on practical, hands-on learning. The course went beyond theory, giving us the opportunity to carry out real ecological research on campus, including tracking GPS collars, deploying camera traps, and gaining practical habitat management experience.

Equally important was volunteering outside of lectures, which helped me to build both my skills and my professional network. Working with groups such as the Nottinghamshire Bat Group and the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group allowed me to further develop my practical experience and deepen my interest in the sector.

What have you been up to since graduating?

Since graduating, I undertook a Graduate Placement with the Trent Rivers Trust through NTU. Following this, I joined NTU’s Sustainability Team as a Sustainability Assistant, where I supported the delivery of the university’s sustainability initiatives and helped coordinate the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. During my time in the team, I was fortunate to receive two promotions, reflecting my growing experience and responsibilities.

In 2026, I moved on to join Nottingham City Council as a Biodiversity and Greenspace Policy Officer, where I now focus on biodiversity policy and practical delivery across the city. Alongside my professional role, I also volunteer with my local Parish Council’s Environment and Biodiversity Working Group, supporting community-led environmental improvements.

What does your current day to day involve?

In my role as a Biodiversity and Greenspace Policy Officer at Nottingham City Council, my day-to-day work is varied and combines both strategic and practical elements. I provide ecological advice across council services, supporting projects to ensure biodiversity is protected and enhanced.

A typical day may include reviewing planning applications, contributing to policy development, and working on projects linked to Biodiversity Net Gain and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. I also collaborate with teams such as Highways, Housing, Tree Services and Bereavement Services to embed biodiversity into their operations and identify opportunities for habitat improvement.

Alongside this, I am involved in developing guidance, delivering training and supporting on-the-ground initiatives, as well as using GIS to map and monitor habitats. Engagement is also a key part of the role, whether that’s working with community groups, volunteers or external partners to help deliver positive outcomes for nature across the city.

What attracted you to this field?

I have always been interested in working in sustainability, and I have had a lifelong passion for nature. What draws me most to biodiversity is the direct, local impact you can see and experience through the work. Whether it’s the satisfying task of balsam bashing, seeing birds and bats begin to use newly installed boxes, or watching an area of amenity grassland transform into a wildflower meadow in full bloom, the outcomes feel tangible and rewarding. There is something particularly special about seeing these changes take place in your own village, town or city, where the benefits can be experienced by both people and wildlife.

What have been the highlights and biggest challenges of your career so far?

Some of the highlights of my career include supporting the ringing of the Newton Building peregrine falcon chicks over four consecutive years, which was a truly unique and memorable experience. I was also proud to be recognised with the Bronze AUDE Emerging Talent Award, which celebrates individuals and teams making outstanding contributions to estates and facilities management in the higher education sector, for my work on biodiversity.

One of the biggest challenges has been keeping pace with the rapidly evolving science, policy and legislation within the biodiversity and wider environmental sector. While this is incredibly exciting, it requires continuous learning and staying up to date with new guidance and best practice. A key part of the role is then translating this into practical, on-the-ground actions that can be effectively delivered.

What are your plans for the future?

I have only been in my current role for six months, so my immediate focus is on continuing to build my skills and knowledge within a local authority setting. I am keen to further develop my experience in delivering practical, place-based biodiversity outcomes and shaping policy that can drive meaningful change. Looking ahead, wherever my career takes me, I am committed to influencing how organisations and individuals consider biodiversity, helping to conserve and enhance nature while supporting wider nature recovery. I am particularly passionate about engaging people who do not come from an environmental background, as I believe everyone cares about wildlife but may not always recognise the impact of their decisions. Supporting others to embed biodiversity into their thinking is something I find both important and rewarding.

If you could, what would you go back and tell yourself at NTU?

Say yes to as many opportunities as possible. Gaining practical experience alongside your studies can open doors much more quickly and help build confidence early on. There are so many excellent events, projects and opportunities happening across the university, so my advice would be to get involved wherever you can. Making the most of these experiences not only develops your skills but also helps you build valuable connections and shape your career path.

Is there any message you’d like to share with our student and alumni community

I’m always amazed by the impact of Brackenhurst alumni. So many people I work with turn out to have studied there, which shows just how strong the network is. The collective impact across the sector is huge, and it’s something to be really proud to be part of.