Surrey Nature Partnership Marks Board Transition as Ten New Appointments Step Forward to Drive Nature Recovery

Surrey Nature Partnership (SyNP) is celebrating an important moment in its development, marking both a farewell and a welcome as the Partnership strengthens its governance for the future.

SyNP would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to three long‑serving board members who are stepping down after many years of dedicated support to the Partnership: Bill Biddell, Gordon Jackson and Jason Gaskell. Through their time, expertise and commitment, they have helped lay the foundations of the Nature Partnership and contributed significantly to its development. Their efforts have been instrumental in shaping SyNP into the strong and respected partnership it is today.

Surrey Nature Partnership would simply not be what it is today without the dedication, insight and leadership of Bill Biddell, Gordon Jackson and Jason Gaskell. Through their service on the board, they helped establish a strong, collaborative partnership at a time when putting nature at the heart of decision‑making was both ambitious and essential. We are deeply grateful for the energy, expertise and commitment they have given over more than a decade, and we thank them for the lasting legacy they leave behind.

Richard J Murphy, Chair, Surrey Nature Partnership and Professor Emeritus, University of Surrey

Building on this strong foundation, SyNP is pleased to announce the appointment of ten new board members, bringing a broad and valuable range of experience across nature, health, land management, education and the economy:

• Alastair Roberts – Farm Manager, Knightwood Trust Farms
• Alistair Hill – Public Health Consultant, Surrey County Council
• Hugh Broom – Beef Farmer, Dorking & East Regional Livestock Chair, NFU
• Kate Bigwood – Farmer and Osteopath, The Big Wood Estate
• Mark Lebus – CEO, LC Energy Ltd
• Matthew Woodcock – Partnerships & Expertise Manager, Forestry Commission
• Paul Davy – Catchment Coordinator, Environment Agency
• Theo Bird – Partnerships Manager, Intelligent Health UK
• Valentine Seymour – BSc Programme Director, Director of Employability and Lecturer, University of Surrey
• Yendle Barwise – Sustainability and Natural Capital Lead, West Horsley Place Trust

The addition of such a diverse and experienced group further strengthens SyNP’s ability to connect environmental, social and economic priorities across Surrey.

We are delighted to welcome such an exceptional and diverse group of new board members to Surrey Nature Partnership. Their collective expertise across farming, health, business, education and environmental delivery comes at a crucial moment as we move into the delivery of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. This strengthened board puts SyNP in an excellent position to connect nature recovery with healthier communities and a resilient local economy across Surrey.

Lisa Creaye-Griffin, Director, Surrey Nature Partnership

These appointments come at a pivotal time as SyNP progresses into the delivery of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) and other key strategic projects that support a healthy environment, healthy people and a healthy economy for Surrey.

Notes:

Surrey Nature Partnership (SyNP) is the county’s Local Nature Partnership, formally recognised by Defra in 2012. It brings together local authorities, environmental organisations, land managers, businesses and communities to champion the value of the natural environment and embed nature recovery into decision‑making across Surrey – supporting a healthy environment, healthy people and a healthy economy.

Surrey Nature Partnership’s existing Board members remain in post and continue to provide continuity, strategic oversight and leadership alongside the new appointments. The new members strengthen, rather than replace, the Partnership’s existing governance.

Full details of Surrey Nature Partnership’s current Board can be found here:

Surrey Nature Partnership: Partners and Executive Board

Media Contact:

Sophie Holt, Administrative Officer Contact