We are currently recruiting for a new CEO.

Stephen became the Forest of Avon’s CFO in July 2025, overseeing finances, grants, land acquisitions, and strategic planning.

Jess joined the team in April 2023, bringing experience as an Assistant Curator and Administrator. Growing up in rural Somerset, exploring Biddlecombe Woods sparked her love for nature and landscapes. A Falmouth English graduate, she’s passionate about protecting local environments. In her free time, Jess enjoys dressmaking, tending her allotment, creating art, and visiting galleries with fellow artist friends.

Kay joined the team in September 2024 with administrative experience based in the voluntary and statutory sector. She volunteers with Avon Wildlife Trust, is involved in her local park’s community group, and helps out with natural history surveys in the Bristol area. She enjoys running.

Lucy joined the Forest of Avon in October 2025 as Funding and Impact Manager, bringing over 8 years of experience within the charity sector, and leading on fundraising for the charity. Outside of work, Lucy loves being in the outdoors from hiking to rock climbing to running. 

Laura, Tree and Woodland Officer for North Somerset, brings 25 years of arboricultural experience, from tree surgery to veteran tree management and timber traceability audits. Passionate about hands-on planting and partner collaboration, she also volunteers with her local Woodcraft Folk group alongside her two children. Laura loves connecting people with trees and the outdoors.

Claire joined in 2023 to lead the communication strategy for the Forest of Avon, creating campaigns and a hub to connect people with local trees and woodlands. A geologist turned sustainability expert with a master’s in Sustainable Agriculture, she’s passionate about woodland expansion and agroforestry. In her spare time, Claire is establishing an organic tree nursery and enjoys running and cycling.

Emily joined the Forest of Avon in July 2022 and covers mostly digital comms, including social media, web updates, newsletters, and developing printed materials and design. She also supports our volunteering programme and organises events.

Lewis plans and delivers woodland creation projects to connect habitats and promote accessible, biodiverse woodlands. With expertise in grants, tree health, and horticulture, he’s passionate about nature restoration and wildlife. Outside work, Lewis enjoys travelling in his campervan, rock climbing, and cycling.

Jess joined in October 2023 as a Tree and Woodland Officer, enhancing tree cover in South Gloucestershire through Trees for Climate. With a Marine Biology background, a wildlife management post-grad, and ecological consultancy experience, she specialises in botany and habitat ecology. Outside work, Jess enjoys exploring Bristol’s countryside, baking bread, and trying her hand at pottery.

Pete is a Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science graduate, he previously worked in outdoor learning and pastoral care. Based in the Forest of Dean, Pete enjoys playing the accordion, baking bread, carving spoons, tending his veg patch, and spending time with his two cats.

Angus joined in 2023, splitting his time between the Forest of Avon and B&NES council, before joining full-time in 2024. Inspired by his work in arboriculture and the impact of Ash Dieback, he’s passionate about creating and protecting woodlands. Studying arboriculture, Angus values trees for nature and wellbeing. He enjoys outdoor time in Wells with his young family.

Joe joined in 2022 as Woodland Management Officer, advising on woodland management, creating plans, and guiding landowners to resources. With an MSc in Environmental Policy, he has managed woodlands since 2018 and runs a coppicing project in the Wye Valley. Joe is expanding his arboricultural skills and enjoys cycle touring, cooking, and making music for the team to critique!

Janine joined in 2023 to lead the Orchards for Pollinators project, enhancing community orchards for pollinators and people in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath. With over 10 years as a Countryside Ranger and a passion for conservation, she’s managed UK habitats and planted traditional orchards. Outside work, Janine crafts straw work, including corn dollies and jewellery.

Rachel has over 10 years’ experience running woodland health and wellbeing projects, helping people connect with nature to boost their physical and mental health. She leads sessions for people with dementia, carers, and those with learning disabilities. A Forest School leader since 2012, Rachel enjoys cycling, walking, gardening, singing in a community choir, and playing the viola.

Helen joined in 2023 to lead outdoor wellbeing sessions, helping people with dementia, carers, and those with mental health issues connect with nature and each other. With 10 years’ experience running community farm projects, she’s also worked in social housing and recovery. Outside work, Helen enjoys foraging, gardening, herbalism, knitting, historical recipes, and attending gigs.

Helen has facilitated the Forest Friday group for people with complex mental health needs since 2022. A Lifecycle instructor, she promotes the benefits of cycling for health and the environment. With a background in environmental education and arts, she’s worked with Bristol City Council and Avon Wildlife Trust. Outside work, Helen enjoys choir singing and cycling adventures

Alister’s passion for trees spans nearly 50 years. With a degree in Forestry and experience in public and private woodland management, he’s dedicated to raising awareness of their importance. An arboricultural consultant, Alister became a Forest of Avon Trustee in 2020 and Chair in 2022, proud to support the Trust’s vital work at this crucial time.

Pam’s career has focused on trees, woodlands, and the environment. From advising land managers and shaping UK environmental policy to helping establish the National Forest, she’s made a lasting impact. A former Environment Agency Director, she now mentors, supports reforestation in arid regions, and creates native grassland and woodland with her family in the Cotswolds.

Robert has a lifelong connection to woodlands and tree-focused farming. As a South Gloucestershire farmer and trustee of the Berkeley and St Monica Estates, he’s championed woodland expansion. A Forest of Avon supporter since its inception, Robert now helps with planning and acquisitions like Great Avon Wood. He enjoys walking in the region’s stunning oak woods and countryside.

Charlie has been assisting by applying his experience as a corporate solicitor to help aid the Forest of Avon since 2021. He is also a keen runner, and his appreciation for open, public, green spaces around Bristol rose whilst training for the Green Man Ultra. He is interested in protecting those spaces and utilising them to maximise their outreach and the benefits they can provide.

Andrew brings over 20 years of PR and marketing experience, including as Head of Communications at the National Trust, combining his love for storytelling, history, and nature. He’s held leadership roles at Kingston Lacy and the University of Bath Students’ Union. Now, Andrew leads strategy, communications, and innovation at South Gloucestershire Council, a key Forest of Avon partner.

Mat, Professor of Public Health at UWE, evaluates the impacts of social and environmental programmes. He supports the Trust in showcasing the benefits of trees for mental wellbeing, green prescribing, urban regeneration, and more. Passionate about fair access to green spaces, Mat also engages in community gardening and rewilding, enjoying adventures in Bristol’s woodlands.

Giles Clarke, born in Bristol and living in North Somerset, is passionate about tree planting and has created a wildlife area with a large pond on his land. An entrepreneur with interests like Boston Tea Party, he champions environmentally responsible businesses, particularly reducing plastic. Giles deeply values the region covered by the Forest of Avon.

James returned to the area to help protect woodlands for future generations to explore and enjoy, as he did growing up. Drawn to the Trust’s Woodland Wellbeing projects, he advises on operations and strategy as a Finance Director of a B Corp business. Outside work, James loves exploring nature, especially the local area or being by the sea.

Mike Dilger is a naturalist, presenter and writer.

Professor Alice Roberts is an anatomist, writer and broadcaster.