Alex joined the charity in 2020, helping the team grow from 4 to 17 and driving the Trees for Climate programme, enhancing community engagement and wellbeing through connection to trees. A resident for 23 years, Alex views the Forest of Avon as a leader in tree access and enjoyment: “What an incredible place we live in, full of potential!

David became the Forest of Avon’s CFO in March 2023, overseeing finances, grants, land acquisitions, and strategic planning. A lifelong tree enthusiast and photographer, he loves their beauty, biodiversity, and role in combating climate change. Passionate about sustainability, he combines professional expertise with a love for the outdoors, running, cycling, and art history, inspired by fellow Bristolian, David Hockney.

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.

Safia joined in 2023 to support the Forest of Avon Plan, collaborating with partners to bring trees to people and people to trees. With a Geography degree and experience in forestry communications in Scotland and Amsterdam, she’s passionate about human-nature coexistence. Recently completing Orchard Training, she’s eager to expand edible landscapes across the region.

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 runs our social media channels, design and brand projects, events, and volunteering opportunities. With a degree in illustration, Emily loves a creative project and getting stuck in to learning a new craft! In her free time, she loves camping, pub roasts, dog sitting and spending time outdoors.

Jack joined in 2021 to lead tree planting projects, including Trees for Climate and Overscourt Woods. With a Master’s in Wild Animal Biology, he’s worked with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Bristol’s One Tree Per Child programme. Passionate about orchards, he hosts pruning workshops and outside work, Jack enjoys cycling, rock climbing, and exploring the great outdoors.

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!

Lewis, Tree and Woodland Officer for North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset, 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.

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.

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.

Peter, a Junior Tree Technician, supports Bristol’s tree planting schemes and highlights successes and barriers. A Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science graduate, he previously worked in outdoor learning and pastoral care. Based in the Forest of Dean, Peter 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.

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. A former 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.

Chris Bloor became involved with the Forest of Avon by founding the Green Man Challenge on the 45-mile Community Forest Path, created to circle Bristol. He continues to support the path, now an ultra-marathon, and is developing a new boundary trail inspired by the historic Horwood Forest, a former Royal Forest disafforested in 1228, spanning 75-100 miles.

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.

Sara began her career in Public Health and NHS roles in Camden, Islington, Bristol, and Bath before completing Public Health Registrar training in the South West. As Director of Public Health for South Gloucestershire, she focused on prevention, inequalities, and evidence-based decision-making. Passionate about the environment and climate change, Sara enjoys running, cycling, and exploring nature with her kids.

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.