Bristol Zoological Society has appointed Tom Hedges as director of estates – a role that involves managing everything from the animal houses to the horticulture at the iconic Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton and the Wild Place Project, the 55-hectare family attraction north of the city.
Tom, pictured, brings with him more than 11 years of land and landscape management, facilities management and construction experience, having previously worked for a number of organisations including FTSE 100 listed support services group Babcock International Group and Wiltshire-based charity Help for Heroes. 
A chartered surveyor, he holds a BSc (Hons) in Landscape Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Surveying, both from the University of Reading.
He will lead to society on all aspects of property, infrastructure and landscapes, including building maintenance; horticulture; animal homes; facilities management and health and safety. He will also ensure all projects deliver on the society’s conservation and educational objectives.
Tom said: “My new role will be incredibly exciting and rewarding: testing my capabilities in ensuring the society continues to provide a fit-for-purpose estate with conservation, research and education at the forefront.
“I am particularly looking forward to seeing how our in-house teams at the zoo can continue to push the boundaries by improving exhibits and landscapes for our guests to explore, while providing them with an educational and memorable experience.
“Bristol Zoological Society is a hugely appealing place to work for many reasons including its history as a local attraction, its deep roots in conservation, impressive educational delivery and the ambitious expansion aspirations.
“Add to this the fascinating animal and flora species nurtured by Bristol Zoological Society, it provides an opportunity for me to add value and make a difference in a truly unique environment.”
Tom joins at an exciting time for the society, with developments to new and existing animal homes, as well as site expansions, in the pipeline.
Bristol Zoological Society CEO Dr Bryan Carroll said: “Tom brings with him a wealth of experience, which I know will prove to be invaluable. As he has worked in the charitable sector he understands the necessity to work to budgets and to get the very best value for money. We are really pleased to have him on board.”
