Our wonderful team are our greatest asset. Not only experts in transport, engineering and placemaking but also committed to delivering better places for people through high-level-service client experiences.
We’re very proud to continue to celebrate the faces behind the fast-growing international consultancy that we are today in our monthly feature ‘PJA People’.
Next up in our series is Graduate Nature Consultant, Amelia Preston, based in our Birmingham office:
Tell us what you do at PJA
I’m a Graduate Nature Consultant here at PJA. My work in the office typically involves helping to draft reports and using GIS to create map figures. In the field, I assist with surveys for protected species as well as arboriculture.
What’s your career path so far?
While at university, I worked as a seasonal assistant for a couple of ecology consultancies. I really enjoyed the mixture of desk-based tasks and fieldwork – it was great having the opportunity to work outside. The experience confirmed I wanted to pursue a career in consultancy which is why I ended up joining the nature team!
What do you enjoy when you’re not working?
I enjoy most things that are outdoors or active! I particularly enjoy running as well as walking and going to the gym. Last year I ‘ticked off’ the 214th and final Wainwright summit with my partner – it took us just over two years to complete them all. I also enjoy long-distance walking and camping trips, even though it sometimes feels like ‘Type 2’ fun!
Are you a dog or cat person?
I’m definitely a dog person – I like the lovable energy they have and hope to get a dog of my own one day. I have warmed to cats recently though as my neighbour has two kittens who are adorable!
What are you currently reading or listening to?
I’ve been dipping in and out of a book titled ‘The Lost Rainforests of Britain’. It’s a really interesting read, a combination of ecology, geography and history. My music taste is quite broad – I listen to anything from Kate Bush to Slipknot.
Claim to fame?
Last year I drove past Richard Hammond out for a walk near Buttermere. I think I looked very shocked as I saw him start chuckling to himself as we went past.
Amelia Preston, Graduate Nature Consultant
Amelia joined the PJA Graduate Development Programme in July 2025, and is based in our Birmingham office.
She recently graduated with a BA in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, where her final research projects focused on invertebrate ecology in regenerative agriculture as well as chalk grasslands. Prior to joining PJA, Amelia gained valuable experience in the ecological consultancy sector, working mainly with mammals. Through the graduate programme, Amelia is learning new skills in BNG and ecological assessment.
Get in touch with Amelia: [email protected]
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