Dr Ruth Swetnam CGeog (GIS)
Employer Name
The Wildlife Trusts
Biography
Ruth is a chartered geographer and mapping specialist with skills in environmental science, climate change, conservation and data analysis. She previously worked in applied research at the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, where her work focused on climate and land use change impacts on protected habitats and species. She then moved to Cambridge University, where she mapped ecosystem services in the tropical forests of Tanzania and collaborated with an international team. After 18 years in research, she moved into academia, spending 10 years teaching geography and continuing her research into landscape quality assessment. She ended her academic career as a Geography Professor after teaching, mentoring and leading research projects. In 2023 she was awarded the Geographical Association prize for ‘Excellence in Teaching Geography’ for work on landscape mapping methods. A recent career switch brings her to the Wildlife Trusts, where she is the Carbon and Research Manager on the Atlantic Rainforest programme. This exciting project is aiming to restore temperate rainforest in the UK, using nature-based solutions to capture carbon and mitigate climate warming. Ruth also works part-time as a Board member for the Peak District National Park where she oversees their work protecting this cherished place for future generations.