Alison Mitchell Farm Environment Adviser Expand Alison has worked with farmers since 2010 to develop land management strategies and specifications which deliver for both wildlife and farm businesses. She has a broad range of skills developed over 17 years as an ecological specialist for NGOs and local authorities across the UK. Alison specialises in botanical surveys, habitat restoration and creation (particularly grasslands), habitat surveys and condition assessments, managing priority habitats and managing habitats for priority species. She provides advice on agri-environment funding and grants (Sustainable Farming Incentive, Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier and Higher Level) and has experience of developing farmer groups.
Maisie Jepson Senior Farm Environment Adviser Expand Maisie joined FWAG SouthWest in October 2020. She is from a tenanted, mixed farm in Worcestershire and takes time off each year to go back home and help with the lambing. She has a degree in Conservation Biology and Ecology and completed an MSc in Denmark, in Agri-Environmental Management. Maisie is FACTs and Basis Soil and Water qualified and is also on the Environmental Advisers register. At FWAG SouthWest she has predominantly been helping clients with Countryside Stewardship applications as well as coordinating a project planting shelterbelts, and helping deliver the Thames Water Catchment Fund. She has previously worked for ADAS as an Agricultural Consultant, doing nutrient management planning, soil sampling, carbon foot-printing, as well as helping the policy and economics team with research projects. She has also worked for the CLA as a Rural Adviser, and now sits on their committee in Gloucestershire.
Mark Smith Senior Farm Environment Adviser Expand Mark has worked as a FWAG adviser for 13 years and is a valuable member of the team due to his strong farming background and knowledge of wildlife and environmental issues. Mark covers Avon and Wiltshire offering a range of services from habitat surveys and Stewardship applications to Cross Compliance checks and soil, water and nutrient management advice. Mark also coordinates the Campaign for the Farmed Environment across the south west.