Dr Natalia Zielonka

Natalia is a Research Fellow on the E3 Sharing Space for Nature initiative and a member of the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE). Her research explores how nature recovery can deliver shared benefits for biodiversity and human wellbeing.

Natalia has a background in applied ecology and biodiversity monitoring, particularly in agricultural systems. She completed her PhD at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in 2024, investigating the impacts of grape farming in Brazil and viticulture in southern England on biodiversity. She previously gained a MSc in Applied Ecology & Conservation from UEA and a BSc in Zoology at the University of Nottingham, where she studied the breeding ecology of threatened bird species. 

Before joining DICE, Natalia worked as a Conservation Scientist at the RSPB, where she researched bird–shrubland relationships at the Knepp Wilding Estate.

Alongside her research, Natalia is committed to inclusive and accessible science, contributing to engagement and equity initiated through the British Ornithologists’ Union since 2021. Her science communication work includes blog articles, such as “The hidden benefits of birdsong” and “The forgotten Breckland curlew – another predation victim”, and an appearance on a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine podcast, “Control stress using birdsong”.  

Natalia works at the interface of ecological and social sciences. She integrates biodiversity monitoring and field-based techniques with social research methods to understand how conservation can benefit both people and nature. 

Biodiversity–human wellbeing

• Links between nature engagement and human wellbeing
• Mechanisms underpinning biodiversity-wellbeing relationships
• Values and attitudes shaping people’s relationship with nature 

Soundscapes and ecoacoustics

• Passive acoustic monitoring of biodiversity
• Temporal and spatial dynamics of soundscapes 
• Relationships between soundscapes and human wellbeing

Sustainable viticulture

• Biodiversity impacts of viticultural management 
• Conservation within viticultural landscapes

Member of the British Ecological Society.

Chair of the Engagement Committee, Equality & Diversity Working Group, and member of the Council at the British Ornithologists’ Union.