Devon Local Nature Partnership is seeking an inspirational and forward-thinking Chair, driven by a passion for uniting organisations to address the nature and climate emergencies. We are looking for a leader with the expertise, capacity and influence to strengthen the Partnership, elevate its profile, and play a pivotal role in advancing our three key priorities:
1. Tackling the nature emergency and providing oversight of the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
2. Climate Emergency: ensuring nature-based solutions are at the core of Devon’s response to climate change.
3. Connecting communities and business with nature, giving agency to nature-positive actions.
This is a voluntary position. Travel expenses can be provided.
Further details are set out below.
Context
Devon supports an amazing diversity of landscapes and wildlife habitats, ranging from upland peat bogs to ancient oak woodlands, heaths, an ancient hedgerow network and species rich grasslands. We are the only county that can boast two coastlines with sea caves, reefs, estuaries and dunes. Devon supports globally threatened species such as the marsh fritillary butterfly, European eel and freshwater pearl mussel and provides a stronghold for species such as otter, dormouse and greater horseshoe bat. Devon is the only place on the planet where some species such as the horrid ground weaver spider can be found. Devon has two National Parks, five National Landscapes, two World Heritage Sites and one of only 4 UK based UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
Devon’s natural environment is not only beautiful, it is our greatest asset. It provides us with food, fuel, carbon sequestration, pollination, flood control, great recreational and business opportunities and a natural health service. It is one of the main reasons that people and businesses want to live locate in Devon. It underpins our lives.
However, we are in a global Nature and Climate Emergency and need to take urgent action to restore the healthy environmental systems on which we depend. Over the last fifty years the loss and decline of Devon’s habitats and species has accelerated rapidly. Our wildlife is threatened from a range of complex impacts including habitat loss, pesticides, disease, invasive species, lack of management, pollution and climate change. Lapwing and red grouse are now extinct on Exmoor; many species including the curlew and freshwater pearl mussel are in danger of extinction and only 22% of our rivers are in good condition.
Critically the connection between people and nature has also declined and environmental degradation is often therefore unnoticed in a county that remains largely rural and green. This lack of connection is also exacerbating the UK’s health crisis; there is a growing body of evidence that spending time in the natural world is hugely beneficial for our mental and physical health.
There are exciting opportunities to reverse these declines and connect our communities and businesses with the natural environment on which they depend. One such opportunity is the Devon LNRS. LNRSs are a statutory requirement of the Environment Act 2021, of which there will be 48 across England. Each LNRS location was appointed a Responsible Authority by the Secretary of State. For Devon, the Responsible Authority is Devon County Council. All other Local Authorities are Supporting Authorities, including Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, as well as Natural England. Once published, the statutory elements of the LNRS must remain static until the Secretary of State triggers a review, this will be within the next 10 years.
LNRSs are formed of two parts, the Statement of Biodiversity Priorities, which sets out strategic priorities, opportunities and actions for nature recovery, and the Local Habitat Map, which identifies where action is most needed, helping to target funding such as Environmental Land Management (ELMs), private investment, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) through identifying where the “high strategic significance multiplier” can be applied. While most priorities and actions within the LNRS focus on habitat management, restoration and creation, the LNRS also takes into consideration how habitat interventions help to achieve wider benefits to society such as connecting people to nature and water quality and flood risk.
The Devon LNRS area covers the whole of Devon, including Plymouth and Torbay. It was developed in collaboration with a wide range of partners, including the LNP and species and habitat experts. For Devon, the LNRS is displayed as a website, with the goal of being more accessible for a wide range of audiences, as it sets out actions that everyone can carry out to help Devon’s nature recover. Following publication in May 2026, Local Authorities must “take account” of the Devon LNRS.
Through the delivery phase of the LNRS, the LNP will aid in planning and prioritising delivery, embedding the LNRS into local decision-making, identifying strategic projects and facilitating project development, and monitoring and reporting on the LNRS priorities.
It is critical that we work together to maximise these opportunities and build a nature recovery network for wildlife and people.
Devon LNP
The Devon LNP covers all of Devon, including Torbay but excluding Plymouth which has a separate LNP. The LNP was established in 2012 following publication of the Government’s 2011 Natural Environment White Paper. It is a collaboration of organisations, groups and individuals working together to restore Devon’s natural environment for our health, prosperity and resilience. Partners come from a range of sectors including business, agriculture, Local Authorities, environmental charity, health, statutory agencies, education, community and interested individuals (to name a few).
Through preparation of the Devon LNRS, leading Supporting Authorities (set out in the Environment Act) officers from Plymouth City Council were invited to join the Devon LNP Working Group. They remain part of the group to oversee delivery of the Devon LNRS.
Purpose
The purpose of the Devon LNP is largely strategic. It aims to provide:
4. Leadership and one voice for Devon’s natural environment
5. A shared evidence base through the Devon LNRS
6. Shared priorities and improved collaboration to deliver an agreed action plan to deliver the LNRS and strategically coordinate delivery towards 30x30.
7. Improved networking and communication of diverse partnerships and organisations across the county; and acting as a strategic bridge between the LNRS and other relevant frameworks.
8. Horizon scanning to identify emerging risks and opportunities for the natural environment.
We are currently in the process of reviewing the LNP to ensure it can take forward the delivery of the Devon LNRS, where the LNP will agree which LNRS priorities to focus on first. The new chair will be able to shape this review upon joining the LNP. However, the Board has agreed three initial priorities for the LNP as set out below.
9. Tackling the nature emergency and providing oversight of the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
10. Climate Emergency: ensuring nature-based solutions are at the core of Devon’s response to climate change.
11. Connecting communities and business with nature, giving agency to nature-positive actions.
Further information can be found on our website (soon to be updated) at .
Further information on the Devon LNRS can be seen on the LNRS website at
Structure
The Devon LNP includes:
12. A Board – composed of leaders from a wide range of sectors, see Annex 1.
13. A Working Group - with representatives from a wide range of partner organisations leading on delivery.
14. A Forum (currently ~ 2700 members) - providing an ‘umbrella’ for all the organisations, partnerships, communities, businesses and individuals working to achieve Devon LNP’s aims.
15. Secretariat - provided by Devon County Council’s Environment Team. Strategic Management is provided by DCC’s LNP and Nature Recovery Manager with support from other team members. Other partners lead or support various work streams Active Devon for Naturally Healthy and SWW for Invasive Species. As from 2020/21 partners are helping to financially support the Secretariat function.
LNP Chair and how to apply
The Chair will:
16. Be a strong and effective champion for Devon LNP, able to influence decision makers and build support at county, regional and national levels.
17. Lead the continuing development of a strong, effective and influential LNP, through bringing together LNP members collaboratively under a shared vision.
18. Be credible to and able to build the support of a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.
19. Chair Board meetings (generally four meetings a year) and agree the agenda with the LNP Manager.
20. Chair the biennial conference and other LNP events as appropriate.
21. Work closely with the LNP Vice Chair(s) and LNP Manager.
22. Forge and maintain links between the LNP and other key partners and partnerships as appropriate the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and Devon and Torbay Health and Wellbeing Boards.
23. Represent the LNP at events, meetings and functions.
24. Act as spokesperson for the LNP as appropriate.
25. Seek to fulfil their duties in a manner that is free from political bias and influence.
26. Be appointed for a period of three years and be reappointed for only one further term of three years.
Essential criteria for the LNP Chair:
27. Significant experience of working at a senior level with a track record of collaborating successfully with relevant organisations, partnerships and businesses at local, regional and national level.
28. An appreciation of the range and complexity of issues covered by the LNP.
29. Experience of Chairing cross sectoral meetings and conferences.
30. Experience of leading cross-sectoral partnerships.
31. Strong leadership, advocacy, communication and influencing skills.
32. Vision, drive, enthusiasm and time to lead the continuing development of the LNP.
33. Capacity to attend local and national networking events to promote the aims of the LNP and to liaise with Board members, Vice Chair(s), LNP Manager and other key partners.
34. Passionate about the nature and climate crises and the need for urgent action.
Role of Board Members (for context)
LNP Board members will assist in the delivery of the LNP’s aims and objectives, including delivery of the LNRS by:
35. Representing their sector at Board meetings in an open and accountable manner and for the benefit of the LNP as a whole.
36. Contributing to the delivery of the LNRS using the knowledge, skills, contacts and influence available from their sectors.
37. Acting as champions for Devon’s LNP, Devon LNRS, and the natural environment, and pro-actively building support for the aims and priorities of the LNP and LNRS, and delivery of initiatives.
38. Influencing relevant strategies, plans and funding mechanisms to further the LNP’s aims through use of the LNRS.
39. Influencing decision makers (including central government and MPs) to further the LNP’s aims.
40. Representing the LNP and LNRS at appropriate meetings and events and acting as a spokesperson when appropriate.
41. Promoting LNP activities, events and communication tools, including those for the LNRS. Reporting back to their organisations and sectors on the outcomes of LNP meetings and other LNP and LNRS activities.
42. As necessary, acting as a lead for a task and finish group in an area of specific knowledge, expertise and/or interest.
43. Communicating effectively with both the Working Group and Chair between meetings.
How to apply
If you are interested in this role please submit a short statement by midnight 5th July 2026. The statement should be no more than two sides of A4 explaining your interest, experience and suitability for this position, ideally supported by a CV.
The statement and CV should be emailed to
The process will be managed by the LNP Secretariat. Applications will be assessed by LNP Board members against the criteria set out above. The short-listed candidates will be invited to discuss the role with members of the Board on Thursday 23 July 2026.
If you would like to discuss the role, please contact any of the below:
Beth Bird, LNP Manager: Tel: 01392 382052 or email
LNP Vice-Chairs:
Nick Bruce-White, Chief Executive, Devon Wildlife Trust: email:
Carolyn Cadman, Chief Sustainability and Natural Resources Officer: Tel: 07880 023728 or email:
All applicants will be contacted after the closing date.
Annex 1 – LNP Board members
Board Members
Sector
Outgoing Chair: Professor Michael Winter - a rural policy specialist and social scientist at the Centre for Rural Policy Research at the University of Exeter
Independent
Vice-Chairs:
Nick Bruce-White - CEO, Devon Wildlife Trust
Carolyn Cadman - Director of Natural Resources, South West Water
Non-governmental natural environment organisations
South West Water
Nora Corkery –CEO, Devon Communities Together
Community & Voluntary Sector
Richard Drysdale – Director of Conservation and Communities, Dartmoor National Park Authority
National Parks
Andrea Ayres - Deputy Director for Natural England in Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, Nature England
Defra family
Mark Rice - Area Director for Environment Agency Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Environment Agency
Lord Charles Clinton – Clinton Estates
Forestry and Landowners / land managers
Steve Brown - Director of Public Health, Devon County Council
Health and Wellbeing sector
Tim Jones
Businesses
Tom Humphreys – Chair of Devon Education for Sustainability Working Group
Education
Ken Miles – North Devon District Council
Local Authorities
Roger English – South Devon National Landscapes
National Landscapes
Cllr Jacqi Hodgson - Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport
Devon County Council
Closing Date: 5th July 2026.