IRC174793 – Head of Farming for Nature

The National Trust seeks a Head of 'Farming for Nature' to lead national initiatives in sustainable farming, addressing the nature and climate crisis while supporting rural economies. This senior role involves strategic collaboration with teams and partners to implement regenerative practices that benefit biodiversity and landscapes. The position offers a hybrid working model, requiring 40-60% of time on-site at National Trust locations.
We’re looking for a Head of ‘Farming for Nature’ to join us to provide national leadership and shape our long‑term approach to farming across both tenanted and in‑hand land.


The next decade will be critical in shaping the UK’s response to the nature and climate crisis, reshaping the food system and securing rural economies. At the National Trust, we believe farming can play a vital role in supporting nature, responding to the climate crisis, and sustaining people and places, alongside producing food.


This is a senior role with the opportunity to drive change at scale, embedding regenerative and nature‑friendly farming practices that deliver measurable benefits for biodiversity, climate resilience and cultural landscapes. If you’re motivated by collaborative leadership, practical outcomes and influencing beyond organisational boundaries, offering the chance to make a lasting impact.


What it’s like to work here


You’ll be part of the Land & Nature directorate, a nationally focused team responsible for shaping how we deliver for nature, climate and people across land, farming and landscapes. The work is strategic, collaborative and grounded in practical delivery, bringing together expertise from conservation, land management, science, policy and external affairs.


The team works closely with regional colleagues, tenant farmers and partners to set direction, develop standards and support change at scale. There’s a strong focus on evidence‑led decision‑making, shared learning and working across disciplines to achieve lasting outcomes. You’ll be trusted to lead with clarity and purpose, while working in a supportive environment that values collaboration, openness and constructive challenge in pursuit of our long‑term ambitions.


What you’ll be doing


You’ll be part of the Land & Nature directorate, a nationally focused team responsible for shaping how we deliver for nature, climate and people across land, farming and landscapes. The work is strategic, collaborative and grounded in practical delivery, bringing together expertise from conservation, land management, science, policy and external affairs.


The team works closely with regional colleagues, tenant farmers and partners to set direction, develop standards and support change at scale. There’s a strong focus on evidence‑led decision‑making, shared learning and working across disciplines to achieve lasting outcomes. You’ll be trusted to lead with clarity and purpose, while working in a supportive environment that values collaboration, openness and constructive challenge in pursuit of our long‑term ambitions.


As this is a national role, there is flexibility on your contractual place of work. Our hybrid working policy means you can balance office and home working with site visits and meetings at other National Trust places. We’ll talk about this in more detail at interview, but you should expect to be at a National Trust site for 40–60% of your working week.


Who we’re looking for


You’ll bring a broad range of the following knowledge, skills and experience, shaped by different roles or sectors, and the judgment to apply them effectively at scale;



A relevant degree (for example in agriculture) or equivalent achievement, with significant post‑qualification practical experience in farming systems and sustainable farm business management
Extensive knowledge of external issues, legislation, policy and guidance relating to farming, nature and climate
Broad knowledge and significant experience of applying conservation principles within agricultural and heritage settings
Strong communication skills, including the ability to present to external audiences, engage with media and produce clear written reports and presentations
Strong influencing and advocacy skills, with the ability to explain benefits, build consensus and support changes in practice
A high standard of consultancy skills, including listening, building trust and delivering a high‑quality service
The ability to analyse complex issues holistically and apply sound professional judgement
Previous experience of building effective relationships with external partners, internal stakeholders and local communities

The package


The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.


• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary


• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)


• Rental deposit loan scheme


• Season ticket loan


• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)


• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts


• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.


• Flexible working whenever possible


• Employee assistance programme


• Free parking at most Trust places


National Trust place


Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2NA


Documents


Requirements


Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK


Additional information


Closing Date: 24 May 2026


Interview Date: 1st June 2026 at Heelis, 2nd Stage interview 15th June 2026


To apply for this vacancy simply click the ‘apply’ button in the top right hand side of the page.


If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk


If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we’ll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our page.


Equal Opportunities Statement


The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity .


Safeguarding Statement


The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.


Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.