We took a few moments to chat to Alex Norman, a new staff member at the Whiteavon consultancy office in Chippenham

What is your role at FCG?

I am an Environmental Consultant, with my primary job functions being:

What attracted you to the role?

I actually applied for a different position, compliance consultant, but upon interview with Max and George, it was concluded that my knowledge and expertise would be better suited to a role where I would provide advice regarding environmental land management, stewardship, and all other agri-environmental issues/topics.

I had heard about FCG through my previous work experiences, and always heard positive feedback about the company, and how satisfied their clients were with the services they provided. I had an instant connection with Max and George when we met, and knew that we would work well together from the get-go.

What is your background? Where have you come from? Where have you studied?

I have lived in Wiltshire my whole life, in the heart of the Marlborough Downs, which is a very special place to me. I am very passionate about the conservation of this amazing landscape and wildlife haven.

I have been working in the agriculture industry for over 5 years. I worked as a machine operator on a large Wiltshire arable farm, starting out driving grain trailers during harvest, and eventually doing more technical work, such as ploughing and other tillage. I was also heavily involved with the environmental management on the farm, responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all environmental improvement activity, such as HLS and Countryside Stewardship.

I have also previously worked at Wiltshire based agri-environmental consultancy, where I learned a lot about Countryside Stewardship and other environmental land management projects.

I studied Environmental Science at Oxford Brookes University, which was a fantastic course where I learnt so many skills and met so many interesting, like-minded people. It really grew my passion for the environment, and helped me understand what I wanted to do for work; where I could make the biggest difference and where my skills and past experiences would be best utilised.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I am a keen wildlife photographer, and spend a lot of my free time walking up on the beautiful downs taking pictures. On Sundays I enjoy a game of cricket with my local team, Kennet Valley Cricket Club.

When I have more free time, I like to travel to exotic countries and explore the amazing natural world! I have been to locations like The Galapagos Islands, Patagonia, Australia and so many other incredible places. I also have my PADI advanced open water licence, and have been diving over 100 times – it’s an incredible experience which I encourage everyone to try. It’s another world down there!

On the side of work, I’m currently making a documentary with some friends about the ocean and its ecosystems, and how human activity is changing it all. It is called “The Ocean: The World We Have Abused”, and it will come out in May next year! I’m really excited about it, and can’t wait to share it with the world.