(BSc. Hons, MSc, Professional Tree Inspector, Lantra FWM)
Steve Knight brings an extraordinary depth and breadth of experience to our forestry and ecology consultancy. Over a 30+ year career, Steve has worked extensively across the public and private sectors, holding responsibility for complex forest planning, delivering nationally significant conservation initiatives, and leading both operational and strategic forestry functions.
Steve began his career with a BSc (Hons) in Forestry, later deepening his ecological insight with an MSc in Ecology—an academic combination that remains rare in the UK forestry sector. His early work included a formative period at the National Trust and a semester studying forest systems and sustainability in Finland, experiences that broadened his understanding of land management in different cultural and ecological contexts.
Steve also played a leading role in integrating conservation into forestry operations. He led a team of technical foresters, conservation and heritage officers, and area managers—successfully balancing biodiversity and productivity. He helped introduce the Ancient Woodland Project in Northamptonshire, developed operational bird management policies for both government and commercial use, and collaborated with statutory agencies to ensure legally compliant operations in sensitive habitats.
After his public sector career, Steve transitioned into private sector consultancy, where he spent eight years as a Senior Forest Manager & Ecologist, managing both a varied portfolio and a commercial UKWAS group scheme. In addition to these two demanding roles, Steve also delivered ecological advice and project delivery across the UK. His expertise in managing mixed species woodlands, and practical delivery for both local estates and government agencies, has made him a go-to resource for woodland owners and land managers seeking both compliance and practicality.
Teaching and academic work
Alongside his full-time work, Steve previously contributed to the development of future professionals as an Associate Lecturer at the University of Worcester. Working with degree-level environmental science students, he has written and delivered modules on Taxonomy, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Climate Change, and Woodland Ecology. He has also provided academic support across a wide range of ecological and forestry modules, mentored students through dissertation research projects, and still leads practical field trips that connect classroom learning to applied land management.
His academic teaching is underpinned by his practical and policy experience, allowing him to bring context and clarity to complex subjects. Steve's goal is to help students build confidence in applying their knowledge to real-world environmental challenges—a passion that also informs his professional mentoring and training work outside academia.