Mark has worked in education and research for 21 years. At Bangor University, he completed a PhD in soil organic matter formation at post-industrial sites, followed by two post-doctoral research positions in plant physiology and soil construction for land restoration. After moving into Further Education, he qualified as a teacher and has worked for the Chichester and Cornwall College Groups. In his earlier roles, he lead the development of applied Higher Education courses at Eden Project Learning, teaching plant-soil science to horticulture and ecology students, and maintaining a strong interest in soil construction and the development of soil processes during restoration. He is now the Head of Professional Practice at the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Mark is passionate about improving equality of access to education and careers in science and the land-based sector, professional standards, craft beer and brass bands. He is a member of the BSSS Education Committee and the Society for Ecological Restoration (Europe) Working Group on Education. Through the Access Recognition and Licensing Committee of the Quality Assurance Agency, he helps to champion the Access to HE Diploma as a route into Higher Education for adults. Mark is a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) by the Society for Ecological Restoration, and a Member of the CERP Standards Committee.