Listen to our interview with Matt on The Wild Cornwall Podcast.

As an ecologist by training, Matt spent ten years conducting conservation research in Africa and Asia at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) at the University of Kent. He then moved to Cambridge and the conservation charity sector, where he has been for the last 18 years.

Matt has worked in leadership roles for international charities such as the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and Fauna & Flora International. He is a longstanding member of the judging panel of the World Responsible Travel Awards and has acted as a trustee for various conservation organisations, including the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire where he is currently Chair of the Conservation, Education and Communities Committee. He also directed a ground-breaking UK-wide assessment of the value of nature to society for Defra and the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Matt will start his new role at the Trust on Monday 5^th September. Matt said: “I grew up in Cornwall but have travelled all over the world whilst forging my conservation career. I’m excited to be returning home to the place that’s most special to me, and to bring my skills and expertise to Cornwall Wildlife Trust so that together, we can deliver our ambitious plans for nature recovery in Cornwall.”

The appointment comes at an exciting time for Cornwall Wildlife Trust in what is its 60^th year. The Trust is supported by over 17,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and over 100 staff members that manage its conservation projects, nature reserves and engagement activities. Last month, Cornwall Wildlife Trust launched its largest-ever fundraising appeal to purchase Creney Farm – next to its Helman Tor nature reserve. The charity also celebrated five years since beavers were reintroduced to Cornwall at the Cornwall Beaver Project.