Meet Jenny Macpherson: Principal Scientist at Vincent Wildlife Trust

In this series, we chat to the dedicated staff members, conservation partners and volunteers at PTES. We find out why each of them chose a career in wildlife conservation, what they find rewarding about their work and what they love most about what they do.

Jenny Macpherson

Principal Scientist at Vincent Wildlife Trust

Why did you decide wildlife conservation was the career for you?

I’ve been interested in the mammals that live alongside us since I was a child and used to watch foxes and hedgehogs in my garden. As I grew up, my interest turned to concern as I became aware of the problems facing many of our native species and the dramatic declines in some of their populations. I was really fortunate to study zoology at Royal Holloway University of London when both Dr Pat Morris and Dr Paul Bright were teaching. They inspired me to become interested in conservation by giving me and the other students plenty of opportunities to get involved in practical projects such as hazel dormouse reintroductions.

What has been your proudest moment so far?

Bringing pine martens back to Wales was a huge achievement. It’s been great to see them establish populations and spread out well into the wider countryside. I still get a thrill every time someone sends us a new record or some camera trap footage provides new evidence of successful breeding.

What are the main reasons for some of your greatest successes?

Thorough research and rigorous planning underpin all the successful projects I’ve worked on. There are no shortcuts to success. It’s really important to take time to carry out applied research and gather the evidence needed to tell us what conservation actions are the most effective.

Reflecting on your past, what’s been your most memorable experience?

I still remember how relieved and excited I was after checking a den box in Wales the spring after the first translocation, and seeing pine marten kits. We suspected the female we were following had given birth from the changes in her movements but we had to wait all day for her to leave her den so that we could go up a ladder and peek into the box (under licence). It was a definite cause for celebration.

What difficulties or challenges do you face in your work and how do you think you’ll overcome them?

The main challenge is reconciling the needs of people and wildlife in our landscape. We mustn’t forget that we don’t do conservation in a vacuum; however I’m optimistic that, by taking a multi-disciplinary and pragmatic approach, and working with stakeholders and local communities, we can achieve outcomes that are positive for both people and nature.

Do you have a special love for a particular species and why?

Ever since I first saw one in the wild in Scotland, pine martens have been a great favourite of mine. I don’t know why – they’re just special. Humans haven’t treated them very well through our shared history but I’m hopeful that we’re making amends now.

Header image credit Matt Gibson | iStockphoto.com