As Bright Green Nature’s Biodiversity Officer, Lisa holds a pivotal role in developing and implementing the Biodiversity Action Plan for our sites, with a particular focus on enhancing the ecological integrity of the Deer Park and Haining sites, implementing targeted conservation strategies to promote species diversity, protect endangered species and restore natural habitats over the long term.
Lisa has a deep-rooted passion for nature and has dedicated her career to protecting the natural environment of the Scottish Borders. She brings a wealth of experience in species and habitat conservation and a collaborative approach, having held key positions with several Borders-based environmental organisations, including the local Wildlife Trust Group. Currently she is the coordinator for the local branch of Scottish Badgers and was instrumental in setting up the new Scottish Borders Pine Marten group.
What is your favourite plant/animal? I’ve always had an interest in all wildlife but the one creature that I never tire of watching is the badger. One of our most iconic native species, there is nothing more magical than spending a summer evening watching them at their sett, eagerly waiting for that beautiful black and white striped face to appear at the entrance, ready for a night of foraging. I’ve been privileged to spend many hours out in the field surveying for setts and monitoring local clans with one of my many trail cameras. I’ll never tire of the joy and excitement of watching them go about their daily lives and that first glimpse of a tiny badger cub making its first steps into the big, wide world.
Why are you interested in nature restoration? As one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world it is vital that we do all we can to restore and protect our precious habitats. As a child I remember spending Sundays with my grandad, exploring the local environment for birds such as curlew and lapwing and it saddens me that my nieces and nephews may never experience that joy. Nature is such a vital part of our lives and we need it now more than ever. Through my work with Bright Green Nature I feel I can finally make a real difference and, working from the ground upwards, I believe we really can restore nature to how it should be.