I am a Research Fellow at the Countryside & Community Research Institute at the University of Gloucestershire, the UK’s largest centre for rural and environmental research. With over 10 years’ experience in social science research, and a background in zoology and ecology, my work focuses on environmental governance, multifunctional land use, and fair, democratic decision-making, for example, through co-design.

I led a Defra-funded test and trial with farmers to co-develop long-term agreements for nature recovery, and I am also involved in the national CaSTCo citizen science programme.

In addition, I lead communications for an EU project on plastics in soils and contribute to communications and stakeholder engagement to others on pesticides, desertification, and regenerative farming.

Locally, I recently set up the Golden Valley land managers’ group, which brought people together to identify key challenges and create a shared vision for a resilient valley.

I have worked with organisations including Wildlife Trusts, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Rivers Trust, FWAG, and Stroud District Council, and would bring these connections to the Heavens.

I live with my family in Thrupp, and we often spend time in the Heavens, where our toddler loves to paddle in the stream. It is a place that means a great deal to us, and I am committed to ensuring shareholders’ voices are heard while maximising its ecological and community value. It would be an honour to serve as a Director.