Ian Barker, ecologist at large…

He doesn’t look like David Bellamy, he doesn’t ’always wear the colour green’ and loves listening to music…say hello to the New Forest National Park Authority’s first ecologist.

He’s swapped urban for rural ecology and is a familiar site in the Forest.

His aim as the National Park Authority’s first ecologist is to help promote understanding and enjoyment of the Park’s special qualities and to work towards maintaining and enhancing its unique wildlife.

Ian says: ‘As an ecologist, my work relates to the study of living things and their environments. This involves managing the impacts of natural and man-made changes on species and habitats.’

Before coming to the New Forest, Ian worked as an urban ecologist at Southampton City Council; his change of scenery to the Forest was prompted by its diversity and wildlife. Ian now has the chance to work with one of his favourite creatures, bats. He says: ‘They are fascinating creatures, full of character and surrounded in myth.’

Although urban and rural nature conservation seem on the face of it completely different, Ian sees a range of similarities: ‘Both face human activity as a major pressure and need to balance the built environment with natural ecosystems.’

However, he points out that they do have their differences, such as the unique habitats of the Park which require special management, especially the challenges facing farming and commoning.

The role of an ecologist in the Forest is a varied one which sees Ian taking on a number of different tasks on a daily basis.

He says: ‘No two days are ever the same. My projects vary, which is a great opportunity to learn new things and face new challenges.’

‘At the moment I’m working with other organisations to produce a Biodiversity Action Plan, which looks at how habitats and wildlife will be managed in the Forest over the next 10 years. I also advise on planning applications and tree work that might impact on the Forest.’

However Ian’s work isn’t all deskbound: ‘The most rewarding part of my job is going out onto the Forest and visiting sites where we can help protect wildlife.’

‘At the moment I’m working with other National Park officers and the Hampshire bat group to help produce a survey on two very rare species of bats; Bechstein’s and Barbastelle bats, found in the Forest.’ He continues: ‘We are very lucky here, the New Forest is home to 13 of the 17 bat species found in the UK.’

Ian also takes the opportunity to get out and enjoy the Forest in his spare time. ‘My favourite walk has to be around the heath and woodlands at Fritham and Hampton Ridge, the views there are spectacular and the local food’s not bad at the Royal Oak either!’

But life isn’t all about ecology for Ian, ‘I’m a bit of a music fiend’ he confesses. ‘I love seeing live bands and going to gigs.’

So just because he’s headed to the New Forest doesn’t mean Ian’s looking for a quiet life!

Words: 503
Written by Karen Evans, Communications Officer (Press and PR)