Team

Email: David Broom

Call: 01796 470080

Member since: 2014

Nominated by: Chris Townsend, Mike Daniels, Steve Green, Martin E Moran, Mike Wood

Trustees are elected by the membership of the John Muir Trust. As part of the process they produce a candidate statement.

Candidate statement

I am a professional ecologist, a qualified mountain leader and instructor and have been a keen hillwalker, mountaineer, climber and photographer for over 30 years. I have a deep passion for Britain’s upland and wild places, and it is a great privilege to pursue this interest through my work as an ecologist and mountain leadership instructor.

As a part time university lecturer for over 15 years I have had responsibility for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in rural planning, ecology, biodiversity conservation and Environmental Impact
Assessment, all of which are relevant to many areas of the John Muir Trust’s work.

I have been involved with mountain leadership training and assessment for over five years. This has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to instruct aspirant mountain leaders on a wide range of upland access and wild land conservation issues. I have developed mountain leader training courses that promote a sound understanding of upland conservation issues of particular relevance to the John Muir Trust’s objectives, and have used this to raise awareness of the Trust’s work in these areas and to promote Trust membership within the mountain leadership community.

For over 25 years my professional activities have included areas of land use planning, biodiversity conservation and environmental management that are relevant to many aspects of the Trust’s campaigning, planning, policymaking, conservation management and interpretation work. These have included strategic advice to government agencies on major development projects in the uplands, the preparation and implementation of detailed habitat and vegetation management plans and the development of ecological assessment and monitoring frameworks for large scale recreation events in the uplands.

I would greatly value the opportunity to volunteer my enthusiasm, experience, skills and time to directly support the important work of the John Muir Trust as a Trustee

Email: Alan Dobie

Call: 01796 470080

Member since: 1991

Nominated by: Jo Moulin, Patrick Gray, Alan Bailey, Hugh Tooby, John Gansler

Trustees are elected by the membership of the John Muir Trust. As part of the process they produce a candidate statement.

Candidate statement

Scotland’s wild places have sustained me throughout my working life and becoming a JMT trustee would provide a real opportunity for me to contribute positively to their future.

What have I to offer?

Decades of outdoor activity throughout Scotland and beyond have given me an understanding of the immeasurable value of our wild places and their people, alongside the issues and threats that affect them.

Thirty years working in the public sector, initially as a local authority solicitor specialising in planning law and latterly as partnership adviser to Scottish Natural Heritage have grounded me in the legal and political context within which decisions that affect such places are made. Helping numerous conservation partnerships create fit-for-purpose organisational, governance and funding arrangements and thereafter supporting/ troubleshooting when necessary has given me direct experience of both what makes such bodies thrive and why they struggle.

My view is that JMT have an impeccable pedigree in John Muir, a clear vision of what we want to do, an enviable track record of land management, that we campaign effectively, we promote sound policies and engage the public well through inter alia the John Muir Award, so already the Trust does a superb job. However, maintaining such standards in a challenging and changing world is difficult and the Trust needs to remain smart, innovative and adaptive to do so. An experienced Board taking a long-term perspective, brave yet canny, is key.

Within the above context, I support the purchase of additional property and campaigning on wider issues when the case for doing so is strong and affordable. I also see increasing the membership as important, to underpin our work and give us more clout with others.

If elected I will work hard to promote the Trust’s values, support its staff and ensure its continuing effectiveness.

Email: Peter Foulkes

Call: 01796 470080

Member since: 1994

Nominated by: John Finney, Will Williams, Sheila Wren, Barbara Jones, Margaret Thomas.

Trustees are elected by the membership of the John Muir Trust. As part of the process they produce a candidate statement.

Candidate statement

After retiring (early) from teaching I moved to Machynlleth where I now work on my passions for wandering the hills of mid Wales with a botanist’s eye, combined with a little ‘aged’ rock climbing. I am also a Trustee of the Cambrian Mountains Society and on the Board of the National Association of AONBs.

Prior to ‘escaping’ England my climbing club asked me to complete a 20 questions Journal article. Q1) ‘Your two favourite hills in the World’? Answer - Pumlumon and Quinag. Most in the club had never heard of either but today I stick by that answer, especially as I now live close to ’Pum’. Two very different hills – both wild, and in my view, both iconic. But they, like large swathes of our uplands, are under pressure:

• Both are threatened by the prospect of neighbouring wind factories.
• Both suffer problems linked to grazing, either by sheep or Red Deer.
• Both have significant areas of damaged/degraded blanket bog.

I am proud to be a John Muir Trust member and believe that it is the organisation that has both the vision and necessary skills to address these and other problems blighting our wild landscapes. If elected, I hope to help with the Trust’s policy and land management work, as well as acting as an ‘Ambassador’.

Last year I was asked to join the John Muir Trust’s Welsh Working Group which is trying to promote the Trust’s aspirations and activities in Wales. Yes, we in Wales were disappointed when the purchase of Carreg y Saeth Isaf fell through but there is still work to be done. The big new idea from some in Wales is to treat wild areas principally as pools of ‘sustainable’ natural resources, a view which I consider to be ecologically and ethically very questionable.

Email: John Fox-Davies

Call: 01796 470080

Member since: 2002

Nominated by: Jo Moulin, Patricia Jordan, Jim Gibson, David MacLehose, Emma Cessford

Trustees are elected by the membership of the John Muir Trust. As part of the process they produce a candidate statement.

Candidate statement

I have worked diligently as a trustee over the last three years and, if elected again, would be delighted to serve for another term. I continue to spend much of my spare time exploring wild places in Scotland and further afield. I believe these places are vital assets that need thoughtful, long-term stewardship.

As well as a passion for the protection of wild places the success of the Trust calls for thoughtful governance and careful financial stewardship. I have worked in a variety of senior roles in sectors as diverse as distilling, banking, policing and healthcare, gaining broad experience in a variety of areas. These include the management of change, policy creation, financial management, communication and strategy. I have sought to apply my experience to help the Trust succeed, both as a member of the board and as part of the finance committee.

In my working life I have achieved results through creating a culture of teamwork and collaboration, and applying practical, common-sense thinking. Also, when the circumstances call for it I have always been prepared to confront issues and take a stand. This is how I have tried to work as a trustee and would continue to do so if re-elected.

I am very proud of the Trust’s ability to advance its cause of conserving wild land in a thoughtful, flexible and varied way. I continue to believe that the Trust's work in influencing policy, policy makers and public opinion is particularly vital. Time invested effectively here can positively impact wild land everywhere for generations and allows the Trust to punch above its weight.

I also believe that the Trust needs to strive to engage young people wherever possible and I would support efforts to that end.

Email: David Gibson

Call: 01796 470080

Member since: 2007

Nominated by: David Gordon, Chris Todd, Peter Willimott, Nick Kempe, David S Batty

Trustees are elected by the membership of the John Muir Trust. As part of the process they produce a candidate statement.

Candidate statement

I joined the Trust in February 2007 and seek election because I believe in its vision and mission, and that I can contribute positively to its governance.

I’ve appreciated and walked in mountains and wild places at home and overseas for over 25 years, and for nearly 12 years their protection was a major part of my working life at Mountaineering Scotland. My business experience includes 25 years at board level in both the private sector and at Mountaineering Scotland as CEO and Company Secretary.

I offer proven experience in strategy development, finance, fundraising, organisational and business development, and I have an MBA and marketing degree. My experience in business development and membership recruitment may add value to the Trust, as sustainable membership growth is essential, providing income and evidence of a strong mandate for policy work.

As lead spokesperson for Mountaineering Scotland I enjoyed partnership working with a range of NGOs, including Trust staff involved in policy and communications, and influencing relationships and outcomes with the media, sporting and youth organisations, government agencies, local and planning authorities and occasionally, cabinet ministers and their advisers.

It is clear that wild land in Scotland is under unprecedented and continuing pressure and, following retirement from full time working in March 2018, I will continue to devote energy to its protection and appreciation. With more time available for the important things in life, I am looking forward to volunteering at Sandwood and on Ben Nevis, and was pleased to support the Trust’s recent peaceful presence at Holyrood.

My experience will inform my role as a Trustee, through which I would seek to support and positively influence the aims of the Trust, encourage staff and fellow volunteers, and enthuse others to share my passion for wild land. Thank you for reading my statement.

Email: Jim Gibson

Call: 01796 470080

Member since: 2009

Nominated by: Vivian R Davey, Jo Moulin, Chris Lennox, Heather Alexander, Douglas Wynn

Trustees are elected by the membership of the John Muir Trust. As part of the process they produce a candidate statement.

Candidate statement

Passionate about the preservation of wild land, I believe in nature’s power to counterbalance the frenetic pressures of modern life. As a Munroist, I adore the rugged beauty of Scotland’s hills and wish to continue to give time and energy to the Trust in its
endeavours to preserve our heritage.

I was a trustee for two terms running from 2013 to 2017. As a practising Chartered Accountant I have used my skills to add value to the work of the Finance Committee, which I convened from 2015 to 2017. I have also taken an interest in the work of the John Muir Award and represented the Trust at the Royal Highland Show. After a fallow year, my passion for the work of the Trust, its vision and its professionalism is undimmed, and I would welcome the opportunity to be re-elected.

Today’s charity world demands focus, flexibility and flair, and I see the Trust’s priorities in the next three years as:
• maintaining momentum and influence in the
debate about wild land
• maximising the use of our resources of finance and
personnel
• making the most of our abilities in exemplary land
management

My accountancy work has been with charities, family businesses, farms and estates, and has entailed a significant involvement with student education and staff mentoring. As Treasurer of several charities, Independent Examiner of some others, and as a member of the Charities Panel of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, I believe firmly in the need to get behind the figures, strip out the jargon and communicate what they really mean.

I offer the Trust my expertise in charity finance, management, governance and good practice, with the aim of ensuring that business decisions are based on sound foundations, and that processes are efficient, focussed and appropriate.

Email: Derek Johnston

Call: 01796 470080

Member since: 1994

Nominated by: Celia Brady, John Cooper, Douglas Wynn, Mike Daniels, Hugh Tooby

Trustees are elected by the membership of the John Muir Trust. As part of the process they produce a candidate statement.

Candidate statement

Britain’s wild places have inspired me from a young age. From my early hill-walking to more recent adventures as a Mountain Leader, being immersed in the grandeur of our countryside has excited and calmed me in equal measure. When I read John Muir’s books in the early 90s, they struck a powerful chord and were the catalyst for me becoming a Life Member of the Trust. Since then I have been a proud representative, volunteering when I could, with fond memories of attending work parties with my young daughter, sharing a camp fire with like-minded individuals passionate about protecting our wild land.

Recently retired from the RAF after 32 years, I am eager to utilise my skills for the benefit of the Trust; for example producing vision and strategy, conducting governance and risk management and collaborating with partners. My most recent position as a Senior UK Diplomat in Brussels meant ensuring the Government’s position was effectively advocated to member states and that EU policy reflected UK interests. Previously, as Head of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme, I managed a large change programme, introducing a new contract, a new contractor and a step change in tax legislation, without any degradation in service to over one million customers.

If elected I am committed to developing the John Muir award, building effective alliances and making the Trust as resilient as possible in stopping inappropriate policy or development. In the short term I will assist the Board in establishing the new Chief Executive, whilst mitigating the risks and exploiting the opportunities that Brexit will bring. My recent Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management, alongside courses in Charity Management and the Role of a Trustee provide me a solid springboard and if successful, I look forward to defending our wild places with dedication and enthusiasm.

Email: Patricia Jordan

Call: 01796 470080

Member since: 2008

Nominated by: John Fox-Davies, Alex Gillespie, Mary Gillespie, John Hutchison, Helen McDade

Trustees are elected by the membership of the John Muir Trust. As part of the process they produce a candidate statement.

Candidate statement

It has been a privilege to serve as a trustee for the past three years and if re-elected I will continue to contribute to the best of my ability with enthusiasm and commitment.

My term as a Trustee has increased my appreciation of the issues and challenges faced by the Trust. The invaluable contribution JMT plays in its vision to manage and protect wild places for the future, influencing policy making and public opinion, and campaigning for the protection of wild places, has never been more crucial than it is today.

I am a community activist born and brought up in Fort William, involved in projects and campaigns over a number of years and a member of Fort William Community Council. I am a director of the Nevis Partnership and Chair of the £3.9m Nevis Landscape Partnership programme, a community and stakeholder collaborative enterprise funded
by Heritage Lottery delivering 19 projects over five years in the Ben and Glen Nevis area, now nearing successful completion.

I have a good knowledge of the social and economic issues affecting rural areas and feel that rural communities need a strong voice. I consider it important that Trustees are drawn from members living near to our estates. If re-elected I will continue to advocate effective consultation and communication with nearby communities and encourage partnership working.

The Trust’s future lies with the younger generation and the wonderful work of the John Muir Award is essential in engaging and connecting young people to the message of protection and enhancement of our environment.

I am retired and despite the rain and midges, continue to enjoy cycling, walking and volunteering, importantly introducing my grandchildren to the delights of the Highland countryside. My overarching passion is the protection of the landscape, the environment and our rich natural heritage.

Email: Duncan Macniven

Call: 01796 470080

Member since: 1994

Nominated by: Denis Mollison, Bob Aitken, Erland Flett, Clare Morley and Chris Judson

Trustees are elected by the membership of the John Muir Trust. As part of the process they produce a candidate statement.

Candidate statement

I fell in love with wild land as a teenager and climbed the Munros by 1983. Now retired, I can spend more time in remote places and give time and effort to safeguarding them – as I’ve done as a Trustee for the past two years.

I bring to the Trust skills in policy work and running organisations. After studying history at Aberdeen, I worked for the civil service for 38 years – including spells with Historic Scotland (managing its properties such as Edinburgh Castle and Callanish standing stones) and the Forestry Commission (which manages many wild areas throughout Britain, including the New Forest). I served finally as Registrar General, responsible for the 2011 Scottish census and the world’s best family history service. I’m based in Edinburgh and Aberfeldy.

As a Trustee, I’ve strongly supported the decision to take on the important Helvellyn property, as a tangible sign of our commitment to English wild land and our many members there. I’ve chaired the HR committee and led the recruitment of our new chief executive. I’ve welcomed the continuing growth of the Award, unlocking wild areas for people all over the country. I’ve helped oppose damaging wind farms, where the Trust has been influential. I’ve admired the professionalism of the Trust’s staff and have particularly backed the strengthened fundraising team.

Much remains to be done. We must show that we can improve the management of Helvellyn and use it as an opportunity to increase support in England. There will be more battles to fight - diplomatically as well as forcefully - on wind farms, and on deer management. As with most charities, money remains a problem and will need imaginative effort. But I think the Trust does an excellent job and will help that to continue if I am re-elected as a Trustee.

Email: Jo Moulin

Call: 01796 470080

Member since: 2004

Nominated by: John Thomas, Liz McLean, Mandy Craig, Lesleymay Miller, Maude Tiso

Trustees are elected by the membership of the John Muir Trust. As part of the process they produce a candidate statement.

Candidate statement

It has been a privilege to serve as a trustee for the past three years. I currently sit on the HR Committee and have been able to share my knowledge and experience of John Muir related partner organisations and activities. Having served as a trustee I feel I have a good knowledge of the key issues and realities that face the Trust if I am elected to serve a second term.

I gained a love of the outdoors as a child in rural East Lothian, have been actively involved in conservation work locally, nationally and as volunteer Interpretative Ranger with the United States National Park Service and have followed a career in environmental and heritage education. It is wonderful to share my love of the outdoors with my daughter and husband.

Since 2003 I’ve managed and led the development of John Muir’s Birthplace, promoting Muir’s passion for wild places and their value today. In this role I have:

• developed visitor opportunities for all age groups
• developed good links with partner organisations in the USA, representing John Muir’s Birthplace on three occasions
• developed tourism opportunities through the regional partnership group
• contributed to the John Muir Working Group formed in 2014 as part of the opening of the John Muir Way and the celebration of 100 years of Muir’s legacy
• responsibility for marketing all six East Lothian Council Museums.

I believe that campaigning for better protection of wild places has never been more important. The work of the John Muir Award engaging with a younger audience is essential to ensure that future generations have connections with and appreciation of wild places, thus sustaining future protection and enhancement. These priorities can only be achieved while continuing the existing strong partnership working and sound financial and resource management within the Trust.

Email: Peter Pearson

Call: 01796 470080

Member since: 1988

Nominated by: Duncan Macniven, Steve Green, Chris Townsend, Jo Moulin, John Fox-Davies

Trustees are elected by the membership of the John Muir Trust. As part of the process they produce a candidate statement.

Candidate statement

It has been a privilege to Chair JMT for the last three years. The Trustees have unanimously asked me to serve a second term. To do that I must be re-elected
as a Trustee by the membership and I am asking foryour support in that.

One of the Trustees’ considerations was for continuity in the management of the Trust. As you are aware, we appointed a new CEO and Director of Finance and Resources this year. Both have settled in quickly, but it was deemed prudent to have continuity in the role of Chair.

The Trust is currently reviewing its Corporate Strategy, we do not envisage that will involve any major changes in direction, but rather, some refinements to how we deliver our traditional goals of owning and managing wild land, developing policies and growing our community activities, particularly the John Muir Award. I see my main role as Chair as ensuring that the Corporate Strategy is delivered.

Crucial to that delivery are resources and setting priorities. We always have many more projects and ideas than we can afford to implement. So building our fundraising potential is absolutely crucial. I believe our new management of Glenridding, including Helvellyn, is a major opportunity for the Trust in the next three years. It opens the opportunity to enlarge our membership base and fundraise from a whole new audience. It has the potential to really grow our organisation and deliver our vision of the importance of wild land throughout the UK. I think those are exciting opportunities which I would be honoured to deliver.

The Trust can only be effective if it works as a team to meet our agreed targets and I would like to thank both Trustees and staff for their commitment and enthusiasm in my first term.

Email: Chris Townsend

Call: 01796 470080

Member since: 1997

Nominated by: Patricia Jordan, David Lintern, Peter Foulkes, David Broom, Duncan Macniven

Trustees are elected by the membership of the John Muir Trust. As part of the process they produce a candidate statement.

Candidate statement

After three years as a Trustee I feel that I now understand enough about how the Board and the JMT works that I can contribute much more so I am standing for a second time. Whilst progress has been made in some areas there have been defeats and wild land is still under immense threat, making the work of the JMT essential. We are in the middle of a decisive time and wild land needs our voice. I think I have much to offer, especially in the critical field of communication. I’ve written over 20 books on the outdoors and many articles for magazines, includingthe JMT Journal. I’ve also appeared on various TV and radio programmes talking about the outdoors, including conservation matters, and I was the sole presenter in two full-length films by Terry Abraham.

As a campaigner I represented the Save the Monadhliath campaign for several years, appearing for them at the Public Inquiry into the Allt Duine wind farm, being interviewed for TV, radio and newspapers and writing many letters. I also regularly post about conservation matters on my blog (www.christownsendoutdoors.com). I am an experienced user of social media and regard this as an increasingly important tool in spreading information and recruiting support.

Over the years I have spent many months on long walks at home and abroad and have a deep feeling for wild places and the importance of nature. As well as protecting wild land I also believe in rewilding and working out how to combat the threat to nature from
climate change without endangering wild places. I am very keen on encouraging people to become involved in outdoor activities and conservation.

In the past I was the MCofS representative on the Cairngorms Partnership Recreation Forum, a member of the MCofS Access and Conservation Committee and for four years MCofS President.