Denise graduated from the University of Bradford in 1996 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Environmental Science before going on to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation, both at the University of Leeds. She taught at the Leeds City College for several years before moving to Wales where she joined the animal, equestrian and wildlife teams at Wrexham University.
Denise works as an ecological surveyor as well as lecturing at Wrexham University. Consulting part-time, she conducts protected species surveys across North Wales. These monitor populations of bats, badgers, crayfish, water voles and great-crested newts for clients, including the National Trust.
Alongside this, she has designed courses and taught students in this subject since 2000. The result is a rich bank of real-life case studies and experiences for students to learn from.
“It’s brilliant being able to combine my interests. I don’t just teach conservation, I work in the field as an ecologist too. I feel very lucky to be doing jobs that complement each other," she said.
Denise lives on a small farm where she rears rare breed geese and chickens, grow fruit and vegetables and manages the land for biodiversity. Keeping her company throughout are her English Pointer dogs. Denise is also a cold water swimmer and enjoys swimming in the lakes of Snowdonia throughout the year. She is also a keen walker and enjoys taking the dogs on the beach and into the mountains.