Candidate Statement
I am committed to the appreciation of wild land and promoting an ecology where flora, fauna and human communities can thrive and mutually sustain each other rather than simply be exploited for resources or recreation.
Experience and contribution:
My mountaineering experience extends over 56 years in Scotland, Scandinavia and the greater ranges of five continents. An expedition to Arctic Norway in 1970 introduced me to Norwegian philosopher and mountaineer Arne Naess’ “deep ecology” theory of wild land.
As a mountain leader with 25 years’ experience in Europe and Scandinavia I have enjoyed sharing the mountains with people of all ages. I have published articles on wild land appreciation and regeneration in mountaineering magazines.
Professional work as a child and family psychologist has shown me how experiences of landscape and community can empower and sustain people.
I have been an advocate of Scottish land reform and community engagement in land management and ownership for over 20 years. I have followed closely the John Muir Trust’s model of community engagement and am inspired by its efforts.
As a long-term resident of Dunkeld I have been a community activist in successfully opposing Hydro schemes in sensitive wild land areas. I am also founder of a successful Community Supported (organic) Agriculture project pursuing core values of community involvement, biodiversity and soil quality.
I am an experienced deer stalker (SNH registered deer controller) and collaborated with the late Simon Pepper to promote ethical deer management in the service of natural resource management. To achieve this locally I founded a successful community deer management forum which protects woodland and promotes habitat regeneration.
I hope that these experiences could contribute positively to the trust’s aims and I would like to become more involved particularly in its pioneering land management and community engagement work.
Nominated by
Geoffrey Cohen, Robert Aitken, R I Ferguson, Sue Atkinson, Linda Simpson
Member since
2019