Meet the Team: Felix

2 min read

Jan 02 2025

Meet the Team: Felix, Estate and Livestock Assistant

In our latest Meet the Team spotlight, we introduce Felix, one of Belmont’s Estate and Livestock Assistants. Felix’s journey from physics graduate to a hands-on role in conservation and land management shows how passion and purpose can lead to exciting and unexpected career paths. Let’s hear more about Felix’s story in his own words.

Can you tell us a bit about your background? how did you find your way to Belmont?

I’m originally from Devon, so being in the countryside has always felt like home to me. My journey took an interesting path—I studied physics at university, which I loved for its problem-solving and analytical aspects. However, spending three years at a computer made me realise it wasn’t the life I wanted. I’ve always been more hands-on and connected to nature. This eventually led me to landscaping. While I enjoyed it, landscaping was very physically demanding and lacked the mental challenge I craved. That’s what brought me to tree surgery—it had the perfect balance of physical work and problem-solving.

But even then, I knew I wanted to go beyond individual trees and look at the bigger picture—land management, conservation, and tackling the climate and biodiversity crises. That’s where Belmont came in. This job was a dream opportunity: working on trees, landscapes, and rewilding projects, all while thinking critically about how we can make a difference for the environment.

What inspired you to join the belmont team?

What stood out to me about Belmont was the ambition and the variety of what’s happening here. The estate brings together people from many backgrounds, each with their own perspective, but all passionate about driving change. It’s where you’re constantly learning, experimenting, and shaping the future.

I also love how Belmont pushes boundaries with projects – Take the Watercress Rewetting Project—it’s incredible to see how much has been achieved already, knowing that the landscape will keep evolving in ways we can’t fully predict.

Personally, I think the job was the perfect fit at the perfect time. Belmont’s focus on large-scale conservation aligned with my skills, allowing me to expand into areas I hadn’t explored before, like livestock management.

What do you love most about your role?

My role covers everything from woodland management to getting muddy in the fields. As someone trained in tree surgery, I bring a lot of expertise to Belmont’s hundreds of acres of woodlands. Writing a woodland management plan is one of my goals, ensuring we preserve and enhance these habitats for nature’s benefit.

The best part? It’s the mix of everything – my role is incredibly varied. One moment, I’m making analytical decisions; the next, I’m knee-deep in a muddy puddle. It’s a bit like being eight years old again, except now I get paid to do it!

When you’re not at work, what do you love to do?

I’m happiest when I’m outdoors. Whether it’s football, rock climbing, or long-distance cycling, I enjoy activities that keep me present and focused. Sports, climbing, and even my work all have this meditative quality—they help you switch off and just be in the moment.

I also love gigs, festivals, reading, and wild camping. My ideal weekend would involve cycling for hours, camping in a remote spot, or heading back to Devon to spend time by the sea—it’s my happy place.

Do you have a favourite spot on the estate?

Absolutely—it’s the Sidings. It’s one of the estate’s wildest areas and has been left to rewild the longest. It’s a beautiful mosaic of habitats, and there’s something incredibly peaceful about being in that stretch of land. When I’m there, especially during a weekend shift, I’ll stop to listen to the birdsong. It’s such a grounding and inspiring place.

What’s a book you’d recommend for nature lovers?

Two books stand out for me. The Well-Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-Smith is a brilliant read. It dives into the science of how being in nature benefits mental health, showing how even 20 minutes outdoors can lower cortisol levels and boost oxytocin.

Then there’s The Overstory by Richard Powers, a beautifully written novel about our connection to trees. It’s both a heartbreaking look at the damage we’re doing to the planet and an uplifting celebration of the incredible people fighting for nature.

What’s one goal you’d love to achieve in the next few years?

Professionally, I want to keep learning. The more skills I can gain, the more prepared I’ll be for whatever comes next—especially in a world facing so many challenges.

Personally, I’ve got a big dream: cycling the west coast of Spain. It’s part of an even bigger goal to link together sections of Europe, from Norway to Portugal, on long-distance bike trips. There’s something magical about disappearing for days on a bike, finding wild spaces to camp, and fully immersing yourself in the journey.