About Us

Meet the Team

Avon Needs Trees is led by an experienced professional team and Board of Trustees.  Our mission and drive has quickly attracted a talented group of people with a broad range of relevant skills and a passion for our cause.

Management

Meet the Board

mark funnell

Mark Funnell

Chair of Trustees and Director

Mark is the Chair of Avon Needs Trees. He is the Communications and Campaigns Director at the National Trust, looking after external communications, internal communications, policy and advocacy and content and publishing.

He has specialised in environmental communications and campaigns for over 20 years. His previous roles include interim Director of Communications at Defra, Head of Communications at the Forestry Commission and Head of External Relations at the Environment Agency. He also led transformation to a new operating model for Defra group’s 250 Communications staff, who came together from five different arm’s length bodies.

Mark started out in editorial and publishing roles, working for five years at a consumer magazine publishing company. His specialist areas include environmental campaigns, corporate communications, operational and crisis communications, change management, staff engagement, stakeholder relations and public affairs.

Theo Blanchard

Trustee Treasurer and Director

Theo studied Biology at Bristol University and is now a chartered accountant working for a renewables company. He is passionate about rewilding and the need to protect our natural heritage. Theo brings experience from the world of finance but when not working can be found exploring wild places and bouldering.

Dave Wood

Chief Executive and Director

CEO Dave Wood lives in the countryside between Bristol and Bath, and joined ANT in 2021 as the charity’s first salaried employee.  Since then Dave has driven ANT’s rapidly-expanding impact, fundraising over £10m to buy nearly 600 acres of land for woodland creation and now leads a staff team of 25 amazing people.

An undiagnosed disability meant Dave had to drop out of school aged 14.  Dave then self-taught their way to University while working as a warehouse operative.  Later becoming a Students’ Union President and going on to work for a reuse and recycling project, for Bristol Zoo Gardens and in national campaigns running campaigns for government ministers, amongst others.

Dave has a background in local government, including being a unitary authority councillor since age 24, serving for 17 years in Wiltshire and Somerset, and is currently Deputy Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council.   Council highlights include leading the Council’s ‘plant 100,000 trees’ target, driving up recycling rates and advocating for natural flood management.  Dave was Lead Local Flood Authority Chair and sat on the boards of the Wessex Regional Flood & Coastal Committee and the erstwhile Mendip Hills AONB.

Aran smiling in front of a beach

Aran Shaunak

Head of Business Development and Director

Tracing a path through stem cell laboratories, big-name charities, two-person startups, university classrooms and even burning buildings, Aran’s winding career defies simple categorisation. Instead it reflects his love of learning new things, diving into new challenges – and taking a few risks! Whilst working at FoodUnfolded (a not-for-profit seeking to reconnect people with their food and where it comes from) he became acutely aware of the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crises, which shifted his focus towards supporting the recovery of our natural environment. Ever since he’s been searching for more ways to make a positive difference in the areas of climate, biodiversity and social cohesion.

Having worked in everything from tiny companies through to world-leading charities including Wellcome, the Science Museum and Moorfields Eye Charity, Aran has seen the strengths and weaknesses typical of both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors – and believes that we don’t have to choose between economically practical and ethically positive. He hopes to use his experience, energy and enthusiasm to help Avon Needs Trees do both at once, generating income that will help create new forests rather than just boosting shareholder profits.

Hilary Jeffkins

Director

Hilary is a biologist, naturalist and semi-retired wildlife filmmaker, with over 25 years’
experience at the BBC Natural History Unit. She now spends time as a mentor and
lecturer for young filmmakers and supports conservation work, both in the field and
with media consultancy.
In her past work she produced and directed multiple programmes in Britain and
worldwide and developed live wildlife programmes such as Springwatch. She has
won BAFTAs for The Really Wild and David Attenborough’s Life in Cold Blood series.
Her last major work was the BBC1 Wild Isles series on which she was both a series
producer and producer/director of the opening episode. Hilary lives in Bristol and can
be found mostly outdoors, walking, watching British wildlife and planting trees.

Dr Nick Murry FIEMA FHEA

Trustee - Sustainability & Climate Change consultant

Nick is one of ANT’s five Founding Trustees, now in his second term.

He is a sustainability and climate change professional with experience in both corporate sustainability management and environmental consultancy. Nick has worked in public and private sectors, in the UK and internationally, most recently advising organisations on their path to Net Zero.

Additionally, Nick is a Wiltshire Councillor and serves on Wiltshire Council’s ‘Environment Select Committee’ and its ‘Climate Emergency Task Group’. He also chairs ‘Zero North Wiltshire’, a Community Benefit Society supporting the delivery of community-led renewable energy.

Gavin Spittlehouse

Trustee - Woodland owner

Gavin took some time out from his IT career in 2015 and planted 15 acres of native woodland a few miles from his home in central Bristol. Along with a wealth of practical woodland skills Gavin has professional experience of managing teams of volunteers. He also keeps bees and is interested in agroforestry.

Cathy Bedford

Cathy Bedford

Trustee - Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser

Cathy Bedford is a freelance researcher, writer and trusts and foundations fundraiser, with ten years’ experience of working in the charity sector and a past career in documentary film-making at the BBC. Cathy grew up on a farm in Devon where she developed a deep love for the countryside and an interest in trees, rivers, natural history and rewilding. Now based in Bristol, when not working she spends her time playing the piano and cello, walking, swimming and wild gardening.

“For me Avon Needs Trees offers a fantastic focus for my interest in and concern about the natural world – a chance to impact positively, in practical ways, on a local scale, on our threatened environment”

John Chew

Trustee - Primary School Teacher and Forest School Leader

John has been a primary school teacher for over twenty years. His favourite subjects have always been science and geography, seizing every opportunity he can to introduce children to the wonders of the natural world. He is also an accredited Forest School Educator.

More recently, he has become passionate about sharing knowledge and understanding of climate change with children of all ages.

“I have found children to be very concerned about the state of the planet; the animals, forests and ecosystems that are being destroyed and sometimes lost for ever. Let’s get them re-engaged nature and encourage them to learn about our precious natural world. They are our future and perhaps our greatest hope in sorting out the mess we’ve created.”

Andy Chester

Trustee

Andy has a lifelong love of wild life and wild places which began on the heaths  and woods of Dorset and the New Forest. He has spent the last twenty years working at Natural England, creating opportunities for people to be in the English countryside. He cut his teeth on the roll out of open access rights – the so called ‘right to roam’ – and was a founding member of the team that is creating the England Coast Path. He brings experience of balancing and reconciling outdoor recreation with safety, nature conservation, farming and other land uses.

Stuart Hales

Trustee - Reserves Manager

Stuart Hales has been working in nature conservation for 25 years. After some years volunteering he worked in the charitable sector, managing nature reserves for The Avon Wildlife Trust. Since 2007 he has worked for Natural England as the Senior Reserve Manager for Wiltshire’s National Nature Reserves. He brings practical experience of managing woodlands for biodiversity and a passion for our native woodland habitats.

Meet the Team

Dave Wood

Chief Executive and Director

CEO Dave Wood lives in the countryside between Bristol and Bath, and joined ANT in 2021 as the charity’s first salaried employee.  Since then Dave has driven ANT’s rapidly-expanding impact, fundraising over £10m to buy nearly 600 acres of land for woodland creation and now leads a staff team of 25 amazing people.

An undiagnosed disability meant Dave had to drop out of school aged 14.  Dave then self-taught their way to University while working as a warehouse operative.  Later becoming a Students’ Union President and going on to work for a reuse and recycling project, for Bristol Zoo Gardens and in national campaigns running campaigns for government ministers, amongst others.

Dave has a background in local government, including being a unitary authority councillor since age 24, serving for 17 years in Wiltshire and Somerset, and is currently Deputy Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council.   Council highlights include leading the Council’s ‘plant 100,000 trees’ target, driving up recycling rates and advocating for natural flood management.  Dave was Lead Local Flood Authority Chair and sat on the boards of the Wessex Regional Flood & Coastal Committee and the erstwhile Mendip Hills AONB.

Aran smiling in front of a beach

Aran Shaunak

Head of Business Development and Director

Tracing a path through stem cell laboratories, big-name charities, two-person startups, university classrooms and even burning buildings, Aran’s winding career defies simple categorisation. Instead it reflects his love of learning new things, diving into new challenges – and taking a few risks! Whilst working at FoodUnfolded (a not-for-profit seeking to reconnect people with their food and where it comes from) he became acutely aware of the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crises, which shifted his focus towards supporting the recovery of our natural environment. Ever since he’s been searching for more ways to make a positive difference in the areas of climate, biodiversity and social cohesion.

Having worked in everything from tiny companies through to world-leading charities including Wellcome, the Science Museum and Moorfields Eye Charity, Aran has seen the strengths and weaknesses typical of both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors – and believes that we don’t have to choose between economically practical and ethically positive. He hopes to use his experience, energy and enthusiasm to help Avon Needs Trees do both at once, generating income that will help create new forests rather than just boosting shareholder profits.

Lucy Garrett

Head of People and Operations

Lucy is a dynamic project manager and sustainability professional with almost a decade of experience in delivering high impact global and UK based climate and environment programmes.

Before joining Avon Needs Trees, Lucy worked for positive impact firm Palladium International, taking a leading role on fighting tropical deforestation as the Global Portfolio Manager for Partnerships For Forests, and restoring peatland and creating woodland in the UK’s National Parks through Revere. Lucy brings a broad set of skills including project management and operations, staff wellbeing and development, climate and forestry expertise, strategic communications, and monitoring and reporting.

Alongside her extensive corporate experience, Lucy has worked for several overseas environment charities and the public sector. Lucy is a dedicated environmentalist with an MSC in Climate Change and International Development, and more recently, has completed Shift Bristol’s Practical Sustainability Course to broaden her knowledge base to include practical skills in woodland creation and permaculture design. Lucy is delighted to bring her skills and experience to Avon Needs Trees to accelerate much needed woodland creation to help address the climate and biodiversity crises.

Photograph of Tom wearing glasses and a white shirt

Tom Le Fanu

Head of Engagement, Communications & Fundraising

Tom started out in the digital agency world, working on a range of clients from Barclaycard to the Open University. Deciding that he wanted to use his skills to drive social impact, he moved into the charity sector with roles at WaterAid, Parkinson’s UK & Diabetes UK.

At Raise Your Hands he worked to raise the profile and impact of small charities around the UK, developing pioneering fundraising events like Midnight Madness.

Underpinning all his work is a curiosity about how to inspire and influence people to take positive action in the world. He is particularly excited about applying this to the biggest challenge of our time; climate change and the biodiversity of our local habitats.

alister wynn photo

Alister Wynn

Head of Woodlands and Impact

Alister brings experience and dedication to Avon Needs Tree’s expanding woodland and habitat creation across the region. After completing an MSc in Forestry at Bangor University Alister went on to  design and deliver some of the South Wests largest woodland creation projects, contributing significantly to the West of England’s climate and nature delivery goals. Within Avon Needs Trees Alister has led on woodland creation across all of the charities sites bringing passion, knowledge and rigour, ensuring their new woodlands get off the ground and help the charity grow exponentially since it’s inception. Alister has a particular interest in climate adaptation and how our woodlands and ecosystems will adapt to the changes on the horizon, working closely with research bodies to further knowledge and understanding in this crucial area. Outside of work Alister likes to spend time outdoors with family and friends, mountain biking or exploring.

photograph of Matthew Smith in a white shirt standing in front of green bushes and trees

Matthew Smith

Natural Capital & Corporate Partnership Lead

Matthew has 20 years’ experience undertaking nature related projects throughout Europe, Africa and Latin America.  With a BSc in Ecology and Biogeography and MSc in Conservation Science, his work has involved integrating biodiversity and ecosystem service considerations into socio-economic development, sustainable management of natural resources and  implementing nature-based solutions.

He previously worked as a technical advisor to the UK Government and Devolved Administrations on biodiversity and natural capital.  Recent work includes: adopting remote sensing and ecosystem modelling in ecosystem-based management and natural capital accounting;  developing methods to monitor UK environmental footprints from overseas trade;  and sustainable livelihood development in Latin America and the Caribbean.  He co-led the Ecosystem Service Partnership Working Group on Business and Ecosystem Services and was a contributor to the biodiversity supplement of the Natural Capital Protocol.

Photograph of Chris standing close to a huge tree

Chris Horwood

Impact and Knowledge Lead

Chris lives in Bristol but has spent the majority of the last 35 years working overseas in aid and development working for governments, the UN, various international NGOs, as well as an independent consultant. He has masters degrees in both Forestry (Bangor) and Agricultural Economics (London). As part of Avon Needs Trees’ Landscape Recovery team, he will help to develop robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and capture important positive impacts of woodland creation and nature recovery.

He has worked with Avon Needs Trees as a volunteer woodland officer since it began, but is now delighted to be part of its full-time team. He also manages woodland creation and management projects as a co-landowner on private farms in Devon and writes for the Quarterly Journal of Forestry (of the Royal Forestry Society).

Chris says: “Given the severity of the global ecological crisis and the urgent need for change, its an honour to be part of an organisation dedicated to woodland creation and landscape recovery – and one with such a promising start and huge potential”

Photograph of smiling Alice in front of a lake and a mountain range behind

Alice Brown

People and Nature Lead

Alice is an experienced conservation professional with more than a decade of experience in stakeholder engagement, environmental policy and programme management. She has worked in the e-NGO, public and private sectors to deliver impactful conservation policy and programming, with a focus on the interplay between forests and agriculture.

Before joining Avon Needs Trees, Alice was a strategic advisor at Global Counsel, where she helped businesses navigate nature related policy and politics, as well as the burgeoning nature finance market and the circular economy. She has also previously worked for Defra, both as an international sustainable agriculture programme manager and marine conservation negotiator. Earlier in her career she was an ecological consultant, and Research and Education Coordinator for the Crees Foundation, a rainforest conservation organisation.

Alice has an MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity. Through this and other projects she has worked on improving habitat connectivity across fragmented areas, bringing together numerous stakeholders to deliver impactful projects with tangible environmental, social and economic benefits. She will bring this expertise to Avon Needs Trees to help deliver the Landscape Recovery Programme.

Tom Elliott standing in a pond wearing waterproof wading overalls, holding a tool, in the background ponds weeds

Tom Elliott

Land and Habitat Manager

Drawing on previous experience in habitat management and ecological assessment, Tom is responsible for habitat creation and management on ANT’s sites. Working across the Avon catchment for a local conservation land management contractor, Tom has experience managing a variety of priority habitats for biodiversity, including species-rich limestone grassland, woodlands, hedgerows, and wetlands, among others.

Tom also has extensive experience in ecological surveying and assessment as a consultant ecologist, as well as experience in wildlife research, community outreach, and agro-ecology. As a bat conservationist and consultant, Tom has worked across the UK, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Tom joined ANT to help connect communities with landscapes, which he believes is crucial for the restoration of biodiversity, flood resilience, and soil health.

Aside from work, Tom can usually be found scrambling around in trees and on crags.

Rachel Hamilton

Landscape Recovery Project Manager

Rachel currently manages the Landscape Recovery Project, which supports 860+ hectares of land across the Chew Valley to be managed for nature. She joined Avon Needs Trees in 2022, leading on the creation of Ed Woods alongside completing her MSc in Sustainability and Behaviour Change at the Centre for Alternative Technology. Her dissertation focused on the impacts of tree-planting on individuals, understood through listening to and analysing people’s stories.

Previously Rachel has worked in the homelessness sector and across youth empowerment projects, and believes that social justice and the climate and nature crises are inextricably intertwined.

When not working, Rachel can probably be found somewhere outdoors, perhaps camping, swimming or foraging.

Tristan Scott

SLT Opportunity Strategist

Tristan helps to guide our CEO and Senior Leadership Team through emerging opportunities to increase ANT’s impact.  Their role involves horizon scanning for opportunities, masterminding projects at their formative stages, bringing creativity and attention to detail in equal measures.  Tristan also brings a deep understanding of equity and inclusion to their work and seeks to maximise ANT’s accessibility.

Tristan was instrumental in creating the Great Avon Wood concept and Landscape Recovery in the Lower Chew, amongst other projects, securing more than £3m investment in woodland and other habitat creation and planning.

As well as concern for climate and nature, Tristan is especially motivated by mitigating the impacts of flooding through natural flood management.

When not at work Tristan can often be found exploring woodlands with his guide dog or crafting.

Joshua Hale BEM

Chew Valley Project Manager

Joshua is an award-winning Community Engagement specialist with almost two decades experience working with community groups and volunteers. Graduating from Swansea University with an MSc in Psychology and completed his graduate training in Charity Leadership and Management. Before ANT, Joshua has worked for multiple Universities, working as Head of Community Engagement for University of Bath, and leading on Bath Spa Social Impact Network.

He is an advocate for environmental sustainability and inclusion for under-served communities. Joshua is a director with Bath Unlimited focusing on developing young professionals, chairs the Avon and North Wiltshire branch of the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), and is the volunteer lead for the RLSS UKs Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work.

When he isn’t working or volunteering, he loves to bake and try out new recipes he’s found on Instagram, community calisthenics and over the summer he can be found camping in a field at a variety of festivals.

Beckie Johnson

Finance Manager

Beckie is passionate about supporting charities thrive by supporting the development and smooth running of robust financial management systems.

She has worked in travel, recruitment and the charity sector and spent several years teaching English and living in a fishing village in Sri Lanka.  Beckie has worked for several charities and companies.  She spent 7 years as Finance and Operations Manager for a charity providing free counselling to Adults and Children.

Beckie is very happy to bring her financial administration to support ANT’s vital work and their growth.

Carys Holbeck

Communications Officer

Carys is a Political Theory MA graduate from the University of Sheffield, and is passionate about climate action and sustainability. During her time at university, she helped work on the ‘Wilder Future’ campaign with Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust which pushed for a stronger environment act to protect and boost biodiversity.

Most recently, she has worked for a Bristol housing charity in administration and marketing, and now brings her organisational and communications skills to ANT.

Amanda Birch

Governance and Compliance Officer

Before starting at ANT, Amanda spent seven years working for the Forestry Commission, in the Forestry Grants and Regulations department, managing woodland creation grants, and administering woodland improvement incentives and tree felling licences. Amanda has also previously worked for Natural England, in a role focused on improving people’s access to nature along the south coast.

Amanda is extremely passionate about the work of ANT, and the vital role of woodland creation in tackling the climate and nature emergency. She is excited to bring her passionate, knowledge and experience to the role of Governance and Compliance Officer.

photo of Stevie smiling wearing glasses, red jumper, in the back ground trees and bushes

Stevie Robins

Operations officer

Stevie has had a varied work life from banking, teaching in higher education, as a theatre maker, and arts administrator providing executive support. Most recently Stevie worked for a local funder in an Operations role leading on IT, cyber security, landlord and tenant liaison and managing the office. Stevie is an ardent supporter of environmental action, and has served as an officer for the Bristol Green Party. In their spare time Stevie is a climate change book worm, loves to cook and walk in the woods and coastal paths near home.

Stevie is thrilled to be working for Avon Needs Trees.

Susan Barker

Great Avon Wood Conservation and Heritage Co-ordinator

Susan has twenty years experience in the land based sector with fifteen years experience of community engagement and volunteer support in a broad range of organisations including the Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Avon Wildlife Trust, Windmill Hill City Farm and the Royal Horticultural Society. 

She is passionate about protecting nature and enabling connection between people and their environment through sustainable land use. She sees her role at ANT as an opportunity to continue this approach at a time when the unprecedented challenges of climate change demand we pay attention to our relationship with the natural world.

Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund

Debs Hoy

Green Skills Co-ordinator

Debs has been a volunteer tree planter for 20 years and is pleased to use this experience to help ensure ANT volunteers have a great time out in the field, gaining skills, confidence and increasing well-being.

Debs’ career to date has been focussed on raising awareness about the beauty and fragility of the natural world through public art and engagement. As a visual artist and creative producer she has designed and delivered public art works for Canal & River Trust, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, SouthBank Centre, and Westonbirt The National Arboretum to name a few.

Debs joined ANT to support local people to nurture their precious green space and feel the benefits that nature connection can bring into their lives.

Vicki Cracknell

Great Avon Wood Outreach Coordinator

Vicki worked as a primary school teacher for fifteen years and is passionate about creating outdoor learning and training opportunities for people of all ages. At the Soil Association, she set up the Farm Links Programme as part of the £17 million school meals initiative, Food for Life. A keen cyclist, Vicki founded Cycle Sunday, and worked with Sustrans to organise mass participation cycling events on Bristol’s Downs. When not planting trees, she teaches women in Easton to cycle.

“ANT has a powerful narrative to share about the vital role that woodland creation has in response to the climate emergency. It’s fundamentally practical but also deeply symbolic. I am excited to be enabling the people of Bristol to write the next chapter in ANT’s story.”

Tara Castle

Wiltshire Co-ordinator

Tara owns the small farm she grew up on next door to Hazeland, which includes some woodland. Until recently she was working as an Estate Manager for the National Trust, where she worked for a large part of her career. Tara brings a wide experience in land management issues. Her role with the Trust involved balancing the requirements of conservation and access, liaising with a wide range of stakeholders.

She is a wildlife enthusiast and relishes the opportunity to build her knowledge and experience whilst helping to improve the conservation value of land near to where she lives. Given the biodiversity and climate emergencies facing the world, she is keen to spend the rest of her career doing all she can to mitigate this. “I love where I live and I want to leave it in a better state for future generations.”

Tara has spent the past two years volunteering for Avon Needs Trees at Hazeland and Pudding Brook Wood, leading volunteer groups on tree planting and maintenance days. She has also acted as a trustee for Avon Needs Trees, and stepped down in order to take up this role.

Volunteers