Matt has an MSc in Conservation and Land Management and BSc (Hons) in Environmental Conservation, both from Bangor University, Wales. He has extensive experience in environmental research, land management and protected area policy gained through working as a Research Officer with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Conservation Officer with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in Australia, Research Assistant with the RSPB, Rights of Way Development Officer for Conwy County Council and as a warden with the National Trust. In recent years Matt has been developing his ecological survey skills, carrying out botanical and ornithological surveys for the RSPB and Phase 1, amphibian, bat, mammal, reptile and NVC surveys for ecological consultancies.