Nature Commission picks its board

Monday 01 May 2023

Nearly 50 people applied for a role on the new Guernsey Nature Commission, which has now selected a distinguished cast of five directors, and a new chair.

Martin Belcher, chair of the Polygon Collective, will head up the board, and is keen for the Commission to focus on biodiversity net gain – one of the main targets of the States’ Strategy for Nature – more regenerative farming, and rewilding.

Joining him, alongside Commission co-founder Fiona Bateson, are Advocate Wayne Atkinson, a partner at Collas Crill, Dr Amy Hall, a senior ecological researcher, Steve Langlois, Managing Director of Guernsey Water, Paul Le Poidevin, an experienced fiduciary professional, and Laura McKerrell, a communications and project management specialist.

Jim Robinson, the States’ Director of Nature, and Jim Roberts, Chief Executive of the Guernsey Community Foundation, will also attend board meetings. 

His Excellency, the Lt-Governor, Lt General Richard Cripwell CB CBE has also become Patron of the charity.  

The hunt is now on for the organisation to find a Chief Executive.

Pictured: The States' goals within the Strategy for Nature. 

The Commission was launched earlier this year and seeks to work as a liaison for public, private, and third sector organisations to enhance the island’s natural environment.

Over £500,000 has been committed to it over the coming years as it seeks to raise community awareness of climate change, health, wellbeing, and citizen science.

Mr Belcher said: “We are fortunate to have appointed an extremely strong board, with directors who bring a wealth of diverse experiences from a wide range of specialisms. It’s now time to plan for our first year of activity and to recruit an executive team who, under the board’s direction, will help drive the Commission forward."

Ms Bateson said it was great to see a high level of interest in positions on the Commission: “We have recruited a well-balanced, knowledgeable board who are all passionate about enhancing the island’s natural environment and promoting greater biodiversity."

The Chief Executive of the Commission will first need to work with the board to determine staffing levels initially. Anyone interested in the role should contact Mr Roberts at jim@foundation.gg prior to 15 May.

Any individuals with natural environment qualifications, ecologists, biologists, and those with social media experience who think they can help in either paid or voluntary roles should also get in touch.

Pictured (top): L-R: Laura McKerrell, Dr Amy Hall, His Excellency Richard Cripwell, Martin Belcher, Fiona Bateson, Paul Le Poidevin, Steve Langlois.