Jake Fiennes, director of Holkham National Nature Reserve and general manager, conservation, Holkham Estate

Jake Fiennes is director of the Holkham Nature Reserve and general manager, conservation, at Holkham Estate in Norfolk. But he left school aged 16 to move to London and work at a nightclub and from there, his career path involved a few twists and turns before he became a hugely respected and listened-to conservationist and advisor.

Jake credits his parents with enabling their children to become interesting individuals (his siblings include actors Ralph and Joseph, composer Magnus and film-makers Martha and Sophie), and he personally inherited their attention to detail and observation. It's those attributes, together with his willingness to take on hard graft, that have shaped his life. Jake also acknowledges that his enlightened 'bosses' have encouraged him in his practices to promote wildlife within agriculture.

The resultant biodiversity, including hares, birds, insects and wildflowers at the estate and nature reserve where he now works and lives, is a joy to the farmworkers, the Earl and Countess of Leicester, Jake himself, and the millions of visitors to this stunning part of North Norfolk. Jake believes current generations should be passing on their experience while encouraging the next generation to have a voice and shape a positive future for our changing climate.

Mentioned in this episode

Jake's book: Land Healer, How Farming Can Save Britain’s Countryside

The National Parks (Glover) Review

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) (East)

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU)

The Holkham Estate conservation

The Raveningham Estate

The Knepp Estate

Turnip Townshend

Other episodes you might like:

Season 1, Episode 7: UEA climate change and biodiversity scientist Rachel Warren

Season 1, Episode 1: RHS award-winning garden landscaper Rae Wilkinson, whose office is based on the Knepp Estate.

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Host Sandra Kessell invites guests to discuss their Green, Ethical, Sustainable and Socially responsible jobs, courses or activities and asks for real-world insights into the pathways and careers that led to them.

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Expect revelations, lightbulb moments and an informative listen on ProGRESS, with plenty of insights as guests explain how and why got into their Green, Ethical, Sustainable and Socially Responsible career or course (the GRESS of ProGRESS) with plenty of tips if you want to do the same.

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