Case Study
Professor Alison Hester
Professor Alison Hester, Head of Climate Positive Initiative at James Hulton Limited, has spent over 35 years in ecology, driven by the belief that even a “little cog” can make a big impact. At the forefront of climate-positive farming, Alison is reimagining land management to address the climate crisis while enhancing biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of land managers.
Through real-world research at James Hulton’s unique farm, which supports sheep and cattle, her team explores vital knowledge gaps — from sustainable grazing to highland restoration — integrating livestock with local biodiversity. Key to this transformation is new technology, which enables innovative solutions and clear evidence of progress.
In the face of a biodiversity crisis, Alison’s work highlights that land managers sit at a crucial juncture in the fight against climate change. With experts from diverse disciplines uniting to tackle these complex issues, the initiative embodies her belief that only together can we address the environmental challenges ahead.