Managing the Landscape
East Devon AONB Partnership biographies
Councillor Tony Reed - District Councillor
East Devon District Council
I have lived in East Devon all of my life and am a retired farmer/contractor. I have been a Sidmouth Town Councillor for 12 years, am an East Devon District Councillor for Sidmouth Rural Ward, a School Governor at Sidmouth Infants School and a Trustee to three local charities.
Councillor Ray Franklin - Environment Portfolio Holder
East Devon District Council
I was born and have lived in East Devon all of my life and have a wide knowledge and love of the area. It follows that as a great deal of East Devon is designated AONB, I am proud to be associated with the East Devon AONB Partnership. My main hobbies are walking and birdwatching.
Councillor Margaret Rogers - AONB Partnership Chairman and DCC Environment Portfolio Holder
Devon County Council
For some years during the 1990's, I chaired the Joint Advisory Committee when I chaired Devon County Council's Environment Committee and held the Environment Portfolio until 2001. I live in the AONB and take an active part in its protection and interests. Both my previous ward and current county wards lie within the AONB.
Councillor Barry Nicholson
Devon County Council
Cathy Fitzroy - Rural Policy
Natural England
Amanda Newsome - Land Management
Natural England
I am currently the Conservation Officer for East Devon District and Exeter, looking after a suite of protected sites many within the AONB.
Kevin Baker - External Relations
Environment Agency
The Environment Agency currently work with a number of partnerships across the area including; the Cycleau Axe and Char project - a land management project in East Devon, the water vole recovery project with EDDC Counctryside and the Otter Valley Wildlife Enhnacement project with Clinton Devon.
Heather McBeth - Planning and Countryside Advisor
Government Office for the South West
I joined the Food, Farming and Rural Development team in September 2004 as Planning and Countryside Advisor. My role covers all of the AONBs in the South West as well as being statutory consultee for DEFRA on planning issues. I have worked in a number of government departments across England, previously on the Regional Sure Start Team working with families in disadvantaged areas in the North East.
Mike Ellingham - Environment and Land Use Adviser and Vice Chair AONB Partnership
National Farmers Union
I have been the Senior Technical Advisor and more recently the Environment and Land Use Adviser for the National Farmers Union in the South West since its regional office was established in 1989. My remit includes all aspects of planning, agri-environment schemes, landscape management and access to the countryside. I am a member of DEFRA's Regional Consultation Group for the England Rural Development Plan, the Board of South West Forest and the Devon Rural Network Steering Group. Outside of work I enjoy gardening, supporting Exeter Rugby Club, bell ringing and being Church Treasurer.
Sir John Cave
Country Land and Business Association
Tim Badman - Coast and Countryside Policy Manager
Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site
I lead the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Team, as part of my work as Coast and Countryside Policy Manager for Dorset County Council. I have qualifications in Geology and Countryside Management and have spent most of my career dealing with coastal issues. I now work internationally on World Heritage with the World Conservation Union and am a member of the World Commission on Protected Areas. I was born in Honiton and grew up in and around the East Devon and Dorset AONBs in Uplyme and Lyme Regis.
Steve Minton - Area Forester
Forest Enterprise
I have spent the last 15 years in Forest Management and the last 10 in the South West. I currently manage the Forestry Commission estate in East Devon and South Somerset.
John Channon - Property Manager
National Trust
I am a Rural Surveyor and have been working for the National Trust since 1987, with particular responsibility for the management of the Killerton Estate, near Exeter and properties in East Devon. I have expertise in all aspects of land management including agriculture, forestry, nature conservation and property.
John Wilding - East Devon Estates Manager
Clinton Devon Estate
Bob Collier - Chair of Colyton Parish Council
Devon Association of Parish Councils
Denzil Taylor - Vice Chairman
Sid Vale Association
I served on the Board of Trade and Foreign and Commonwealth Office, with six overseas postings between 1947 - 1979. I retired to Sidmouth in 1984 and became Honorary Secretary of Sid Vale Association in 1986. I have served as Treasurer of three local organisations and have many years membership of Youth Hostels Associations, Ramblers Associations and more than 20 years as Footpath Warden for the Sid Vale Association.
Brian Turnbull - Chairman
Otter Valley Association
I am a retired PLC Finance Director now living in Colaton Raleigh. I am Trustee of several charities and a member of the Otter Valley Association Executive Committee since 1999, Chairman since 2004.
Donald Campbell - Chairman
Axe Vale and District Conservation Society
After a career teaching biology and ending up as Senior Tutor at a Sixth Form College, I retired early to Devon. Before retirement I was involved with the Wiltshire, Worcestershire and North Welsh Naturalist's Trusts and in those areas I carried out bird surveys for the three BTO Atlases. An enthusiast for National Parks, I carried out much voluntary work in Snowdonia and my range of natural history interests is indicated by membership of Plant Life, Butterfly Conservation, Exmoor Society etc. I am author of an Encyclopedia of British Birds and working on a book on the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve.