Meet Rachel Warmington: Head of Science at Plantlife
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 or what they love most about what they do and why they get involved.
Rachel Warmington
Head of Science at Plantlife
Why did you decide to go into wildlife conservation?
I enjoyed growing plants when I was younger, finding it fascinating that a huge plant came from this tiny little seed. I was also always amazed by the fungi that seemed to pop up from nowhere and their weird and wonderful shapes. I combined my love of plants and fungi with a PhD in plant pathology, and when a role came up at a botanic garden I was introduced to the world of conservation! I was working with plant species from around the world, which was a steep learning curve. Moving into my current role has meant I now focus on the conservation of wild plants and fungi.
What’s your role and what’s the most rewarding part of it?
My role as Head of Science at Plantlife enables me to work across all areas of our conservation priorities, and with many different researchers. It is so rewarding to link research outputs with practical conservation action.
Has your conservation work been rewarding and, if so, in what way?
It is incredibly rewarding to take a question or research idea and develop it into a project, working with amazing conservation experts, students and academics to find the answers and then produce effective conservation management techniques and processes.
What are the main reasons for some of your greatest successes?
I think the range of experts I have been lucky enough to work with. Collaboration has always been key to my work, from my PhD project to now. I can never be the expert in everything in the world of plants and fungi, so learning from and working with others is crucial to have a successful outcome.
Reflecting on your past, what has been one of your most memorable experiences so far?
Giving the opening keynote talk at the 2019 International Conference on Biodiversity in Thailand was very memorable, and nerve wracking, as the opening ceremony was presided over by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. I also met fantastic people working in botanic gardens from across the globe, who were so inspiring.
How can we best inspire the younger generation?
It’s really important to get kids out into nature and introduce them to all the amazing species that they will find there. Talking to children at events they are always fascinated by the interactions between species, and how plants and fungi work (they particularly love looking at them under a microscope!). When they understand how interconnected everything is they can understand the importance of protecting the environment.
Rachel and the team at Plantlife recognise the importance of ancient grassland habitats and are starting a project to create an official definition of them, so they can be better protected here in the UK. See how we’re supporting this work:
Header image by Adrian_am13 | Shutterstock.com