Meet the Agriculture team
Our Agriculture staff aren’t just academics. They’re working agronomists, biodiversity advisors, and farm managers with experience in the sector who bring fresh industry insight into every lesson. In addition, we regularly engage a number of industry experts to support the curriculum and inject additional industry experience and insights to our students education.
Dr Claire Cresswell
- Specialist research interests include agricultural ecology, plant‑invertebrate interactions, water quality protection, avian behavioural ecology and monitoring
- Holds a BSc (Hons) in Animal Science and an MSc in Wildlife Management and Conservation from University of Reading
- PhD from Harper Adams University investigated the role of multifunctional field margin vegetative strips for the support of ecosystem services
- Licensed and active BTO bird ringer
- Farmland wildlife surveyor and consultant for habitats, birds and invertebrates.
Dr Andrew Ferguson
- Currently working as General Manager for the Leckford Farm Estate, with a focus on biodiversity, soil health, and climate‑positive practices
- Previous experience in farm, estate and arable management
- Holds a PhD in seed physiology and agronomy, with 30 years experience in roles across the agricultural and farm sector.
Ruth Payne
- Worked in a variety of agricultural settings, in various countries including New Zealand and Ireland, with main interests in livestock production
- Holds a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture from Seale‑Hayne University College and an MSc in Animal Health and Welfare from Harper Adams University
- PGCE from The University of Southampton.