Life at MAN - Isabella McQuillan, Biodiversity Infrastructure Manager

A busy international airport may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of nature and biodiversity - but the almost 2,000 acres of land within Manchester Airport's footprint is, in fact, teeming with life - from protected woodlands and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, to aquatic species in the River Bollin which runs directly under the second runway. The airport has a dedicated team of environmental specialists working to ensure important habitats on and around the airport site are protected, and to mitigate any impacts the airport's day-to-day operations might have on local flora and fauna.

In this month's Life at MAN, we talk to Biodiversity Infrastructure Manager, Isabella McQuillan, about the work her team does, from rehoming bats to searching for glow worms. Isabella explains why safeguarding the natural world is so important to the airport as a whole. 

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?
Just over two years.

What does your job involve on a typical day?
There isn’t really a “typical” day in my role! I’m mostly desk-based, working closely with my team to support the airport's activities and ensure we meet all of our obligations around biodiversity as an airport operator. This includes work with protected species like bats, and developing offsetting projects to support Biodiversity Net Gain, as we have a responsibility to ensure that new development on the airport site actually has a positive overall impact on biodiversity.

I spend some time out on site, guiding colleagues, regulators, or stakeholders around land owned by the airport, often supporting training sessions and building awareness of what we're trying to achieve with regards to biodiversity. I’m also involved in our work with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), a government-led taskforce helping ensure money is invested into nature-positive projects. Part of this involves oversight and monitoring of our spending on nature-related projects.

What skills and training are needed for the role?
I hold a degree in Environmental Science and built my experience through various roles in environmental consultancy. These helped me develop practical knowledge of construction, ecology, health and safety, and GIS (Geographical Information Systems). I managed various projects and budgets, and gradually specialised by taking on more niche work. I’ve also pursued both paid and voluntary training, including courses with the Field Studies Council, where I especially enjoyed learning about bugs and mushrooms!

Why is it important for an airport to support biodiversity on and around its site?
Manchester Airport owns and manages a significant amount of ‘halo land’ - by which I mean land owned by the airport, but not in operational use. By managing this land to benefit biodiversity, we have the opportunity to deliver meaningful environmental gains for the region. It’s a chance to make a real and lasting positive impact.

What is the most memorable thing you’ve worked on?
It’s hard to choose just one! If I had to pick one that has been most memorable, I think it would be the glow worm surveys we undertook with the University of Manchester and Manchester Museum in the summer. It was fascinating learning about their life cycle and about why they glow!

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?
No two days are the same, it’s never boring! I love seeing the tangible results of my work, especially when it benefits nature. That’s something I’m really proud of.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport?
Talk to people working here and attend careers and airport events. There’s a wide range of roles and opportunities, and speaking to those in the field can really help you find your path.

What do you like to do when you're not at work?
I love music, I sing in a choir, I also like hiking and going to the gym. I try to balance my busy schedule with some drawing when I can!

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?
Sicily, I love Italy!