He is a qualified landscape architect, historic buildings conservation specialist, museum professional and ecologist.

From 2000 until 2006 Phil was Area Manager for English Nature for Devon. He played a significant role in the development of the Devon Strategic Partnership and the Devon Community Strategy. He helped initiate a range of innovative projects such as Finding Sanctuary and the Lundy Sea Bird recovery Project. He was a member of the steering group of the Devon Rural Network and founding member of the Devon Maritime Forum. From 2006-7 he was Area Manager for Cornwall, Devon and the Isles of Scilly for Natural England and subsequently until 2011 NE's SW Advocacy and Partnerships Manager. In this role he was a major advocate for sustainable development in the South West, working closely with parters from the social, community and economic sectors. He was a member of SWRDA's Rural Advisory Group and GOSW's Rural Task Group.

Phil has a strong interest in increasing public understanding of the management and value of the historic and natural environments and their cultural importance. He was a member of the SW Historic Environment Forum and was a trustee for the Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural Environment at Haldon, Exeter. He is currently a Director of the Sustainable Coppice Partnership. As Director of Torquay Museum from 2011-2014 he encouraged wider and new audiences to understand and value their heritage through a programme of exhibitions, events and educational activities. He was General Manager for West Somerset for the National Trust between 2014 and 2016. He was responsible for the 5000 hectares Holnicote Estate on Exmoor and its 14 farms, 170 tenanted cottages, two in-hand cafes, a shop, five holiday cottages and a venison business.  The portfolio also included 600 hectares of the Quantocks, the 18th- century Arcadian garden at Fyne Court, development land for 300 houses at Pyrland, Taunton, and the Wellington Monument. Phil now runs an independent heritage, architectural and environmental consultancy. The practice provides advice on the assessment and management of cultural, landscape and natural environment assets, project feasibility and development, design and interpretation, lifelong learning , fund raising, activity planning, audience development and project evaluation.