Talking Saint: Johanna Willi

Amanda Skinner

Monday 13 October 2025

Johanna Willi, Ecological Projects Manager
Environment Team, Estates

What does your role involve and how long have you been at the University?  
I’m the University’s Ecological Projects Manager and have been in post for four years. My main role has been co-ordinating two exciting, grant-funded projects to create a more vibrant, biodiverse campus. I also collaborated with neighbouring land managers including farmers, estates, businesses and Fife Council, all working to restore nature too.  

I’m based in the Environment Team in Estates and enjoy working with folk across the University to develop ideas and deliver projects. Students and members of the public like to get involved, so I run as many practical sessions as I can, from tree planting and hay raking, to seed sowing and weeding. It’s a sociable, positive and rewarding role! 

Where is your favourite St Andrews hotspot?  
The coastal path, a rugged wander with fantastic views out to sea, plenty of fresh air and a chance to spot wildlife. 

What three things would you take to a desert island?  
My tent (one of my favourite objects which has accompanied me on many adventures), a penknife and solar-powered MP3 player.   

Do you have a favourite book, movie, TV show or podcast you’d recommend to others?  
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is an absolutely gorgeous, transformational, inspiring read. It shares a beautiful Native American worldview of nature. It’s my most gifted book, and everyone seems to love it! 

What would you do if you won the Euromillions?  
Help rewild Scotland. It’s such an exciting movement and it would be great to be part of it on an even bigger scale. 

Where is your favourite city or place, and why?  
Iceland is an extraordinary country that left such an impression on me – both the landscapes and people. I’d love to spend a year there to experience it on a deeper level and see it through the seasons.   

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?  
Well, I think this would have to be Scotland! I’m from Switzerland originally and moved here 21 years ago. The people are friendly and down to earth, and there is so much to explore and do. I especially love the NW, and places like Torridon, Assynt, Glen Affric and Glen Feshie. It’s a really unique country in a European context I think – where else can you get a hill or a sweeping beach to yourself? 

Outside of work, what is a hobby or activity you enjoy?  
I started cello lessons about 10 years ago. It’s beginning to sound a bit like music now! Also running, yoga, arts and crafts, kayaking… 

Tell us something that might surprise us about you…  
I have a species named after me! A tiny little snail found in the Seychelles…. 

What is your typical day at work like?  
It’s very mixed! It can range from writing grant applications or reports to funders, to planting trees and raking a hay meadow with students and volunteers. There might be a meeting with the Grounds team as we work in partnership to improve the University estate for biodiversity, or a site visit with a local farmer or land manager who is collaborating with us to restore habitat. I love that it’s so varied. 

What is one thing that you’rereally passionate about in your job? 
Making connections with people. Working in nature conservation is really positive, and it feels even more worthwhile and rewarding when working in collaboration with all the committed, enthusiastic people in Fife.  

If you’d like to be featured as a Talking Saint, we’d love to hear from you. Your profile will be shared in In The Loop, on the Staff News page, and the University’s LinkedIn page. Email [email protected]