Meet Jack Willoughby
• Explorer
• Expedition Leader
• Researcher
• Outdoor Educator
Who am I ?
I often wear two hats, the first as a forest ecophysiologist, carrying out research into the effect anthropogenic pollutants can have on forest health, and another as an expedition leader and outdoor instructor. Fortunately, I do not find these two disciplines mutually exclusive, as an outdoor professional I am lucky enough to guide groups to remote and wonderful forest locations around the world, which feeds my appetite to better understand the ecological processes underpinning the nature of these forests—then communicate this understanding to whoever will listen!
Experience
Designed student-led research projects for environmental science A-level students in remote environments. Delivered residential 5-day programs, specializing in sessions such as study design (e.g., forming research questions and hypotheses, scientific methodologies), data collection (ecological sampling techniques), and data analysis (statistical approaches and interpretation).
Responsible for the delivery of bushcraft courses (5-day residentials) to groups of up to 90 young people, teachers, and staff in remote forest environments. Led sessions in fire lighting, shelter building, trapping & tracking, wilderness cooking, plant identification, archery, and tomahawk throwing. Managed all aspects of camp operations, including food preparation and administration of young people’s medication.
Led science outreach programs for young people in an expedition format. Received training and experience in guiding during >2-week expeditions in remote environments, including further wilderness first aid training.
Led water and land-based bear viewing tours, attaining advanced boating and first aid qualifications. Managed guest expectations, safety, and experience whilst viewing grizzly bears. Developed naturalist abilities and knowledge of BC flora and fauna.
Education Timeline
-
2024
PhD (current) in Forestry
Bangor University
-
2021
MSc in Environmental Forestry
Bangor University
-
2018
BSc in Biological Sciences
University of Bristol
Language Skills
English
Fluent: Professional proficiency in verbal and written communication.
Spanish
Intermediate-Advanced: Able to converse confidently with Spanish speakers.
Welsh
Beginner-Intermediate: Able to speak and understand basic Welsh.
Qualifications
Mountain Leader
UK Mountain Training Mountain Leader Qualification with advanced wilderness first aid certification.
SKI Instructor
Canadian Ski Instructors' Alliance Level 2 and British Association of Snow-Sports Instructors Level 1 qualified.
Bear Guiding
Level 1 bear viewing guide with bear awareness and safety certification.
Boating (Canada)
Small vessel operator license (SVOP), marine emergency duties (MED A3) and radio operator (ROC-M) qualifications.