Women's Upland Network Founder
Emily Graham
Director, Conservation Communication
Background and Career to date
I grew up in Weardale surrounded by the North Pennine hills. Growing up in such a place gave me an understanding and a true love of nature, the communities and rural landscapes and growing up on a farm just fed into my love of animals and wildlife. I started my own marketing business in 2018 and since then have worked with many upland and rural businesses to help them tell their story, create their brand and build their business. More recently I have become a director of Conservation Communication, A Community Interest Company set up from the Why Moorlands Matter events we hold each year to get people up onto the uplands learning all about communities, wildlife and management. This new venture is aiming to reconnect people with the countryside and share the untold stories of conservation wins, land management done well and rural, community life.
Please describe why the uplands are important to you?
The uplands are very much my home, I live and breath them and my favourite time of year has to be spring when the hills come back to life with waders, incredible insect life and hundreds if not thousands of plant species specially adapted to the uplands. The uplands are so special because they are their own ecosystem and are globally important in conservation and carbon control.
What inspired you to become a founder of the Women’s Upland Network (WUN)?
With more and more woman starting their own business or working in the uplands it is important we all feel supported and have a community to talk to about challenges faced in the uplands. It can be quite isolating for anyone living rurally so to have that support system is crucial. It is also a fantastic opportunity for everyone to network and meet new people!
What does the success of the WUN looks like for you?
A strong community to support woman in the uplands with many aspects of life. I would love to attend events that bring new people together and have a network of woman who can talk through new ideas, discuss business problems or aspirations and just rural life in general.
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