Our Team

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Staff

I joined Open Country in 1998 and oversee the day to day running of the charity. I have worked as a Countryside Ranger for Ipswich and Wakefield councils and as a Youth Development Worker for Bradford Environmental Education Service.

My favourite countryside place is the Forest of Bowland, especially seeing dotterel on Pendle Hill.

David

Chief Officer

I run the Wild About Wakefield project, helping with fundraising and leading walks, cycle rides, conservation work parties and outings. I have worked in people engagement and project management roles for the RSPB.

My favourite countryside place is St Ives Estate in Bingley; I’ve had some great experiences watching tawny owls there.

Ella

Wild About Wakefield Project Officer

I have the joy of communications and spreading awareness of the charity’s incredible work, coupled with raising vital funds to ensure we are here today, tomorrow and beyond. I bring years of voluntary sector experience through both working and volunteering.

My favourite countryside place is by the coast with a nice bag of chips!

Netty

Communications & Fundraising Officer

I lead the Thursday Walking Group and help to run the Wild About Wetherby group. I also help with other outdoor activities when needed and provide admin and design support in the office. I am a professional photographer and lead guided photo walks across Yorkshire.

My favourite countryside place is Kisdon in Swaledale. I love the view from Kisdon Hill and the peace and tranquility of the waterfalls on the Upper Swale.

Tom

Countryside Activities Officer (Harrogate)

I have worked as a Countryside Ranger in Surrey, Kent and the London Borough of Bromley, as well as a Field Studies Tutor in Epping Forest. My role includes running the Wild about Wetherby groups, the Allotment Group, the Ripon Tandem Club and some of the weekend trips.

My favourite countryside place is Rodley Nature Reserve in Leeds. I like watching the wetland birds and trying to spot an elusive kingfisher.

Kate

Countryside Activities Officer (Harrogate)

My background is in equine management and animal care. I have worked with autistic children and been a tutor at Craven College, as well as being a shepherdess for many years. I run the Walk on the Wild Side and Nature and Natterers groups, as well as helping with the Wild About Wetherby group.

My favourite countryside place is the Yorkshire Three Peaks, whether I’m walking, running or cycling up them.

Sharron

Countryside Activities Officer (Harrogate)

I run the York Tandem Club and the York Walking Group. I am also a regular volunteer on Open Country’s annual cross-country tandem rides and residential walking weekends.

My favourite countryside place is a remote Scottish island with wide sandy beaches, empty of people.

Lizzie

Countryside Activities Officer (Harrogate)

I run the tandem cycling and Trailblazer work group, as well as completing admin tasks in the office in Wakefield. I have a Zoology degree and a background in data handling and updating maps.

My favourite countryside place is Burbage Edge in the Peak District.

Beth

Countryside Activities Officer (Wakefield)

I have worked as a science teacher and have a Zoology degree. I have volunteered for various environmental charities including, the North York Moors and Scottish Wildlife Trust.

My favourite countryside place is the rolling hills of Yorkshire Dales where I grew up.

Caitlin

Countryside Activities Officer (Wakefield)

I’ve been involved with Open Country for more than 15 years, both as a volunteer and staff member. I help out with the Wild About Wetherby groups on an occasional basis and volunteer as a driver on the annual tandem residentials. I love walking and I now play golf…badly. My previous jobs have always included driving coaches and Class 1 artics.

My favourite countryside place is Nidderdale; I was brought up on a farm there and it’s my special area.

Karen

Countryside Activities Officer (Harrogate)

I previously taught PE and Maths in local secondary schools. My lifelong passion for the outdoors was fostered in the Scout movement as a teenager and I re-engaged with this as a leader more recently. I currently lead the Harrogate Trailblazers, the Wild About Wetherby group, weekend trips and the new Selby Tandem Club.

My favourite countryside place is anywhere wild and away from man-made noise, preferably beside water.

Mark

Countryside Activities Officer (Harrogate)

I come from a teaching background supporting children with diverse needs, I have also worked as a tutor at a local land-based college and at a Forest School. I have a great passion for rock climbing, hiking and long cycling trips. I lead the Harrogate Nature Force group, Wetherby Tandems, weekend trips and the new Selby Walking Group.

My favourite countryside place is the Valley of Five Lakes in the Polish Tatra mountains; known for its purple crocuses.

Emilia

Countryside Activities Officer (Harrogate)

My background is in outdoor education and I now spend the majority of my time either paddling or pedalling. I am setting up a new project in Barnsley District and will be running several taster sessions including, walking, tandem cycling, countryside outings and an adventure club.

My favourite countryside place is far too numerous to mention, it’s about being out there.

Bob

Countryside Activities Officer (Barnsley)

My role raising funds for Open Country is challenging and varied. I have experience of working with disabled people in the community and spent ten years as a Workshop Leader at Henshaws Arts & Crafts.

My favourite countryside place is the beautiful Jacob Smith Park in Knaresborough which I love to visit.

Fiona

Fundraising Officer

I work as an associate consultant and have helped organisations in strategic and business planning, market and portfolio reviews, operational and organisational reviews, profit improvement strategies, and acting as specialist advisor on vocational education matters.

My favourite countryside place is up any hill in my native Yorkshire.

Richard Firth

Chair of Trustees

Trustees

I am a Senior Investment Director with an international investment management business. I have been disabled since I was 22 when I lost my leg in a car accident which also resulted in other serious inhibiting injuries. I love the outdoors, principally open water swimming, cycling and skiing. I was the first disabled swimmer to swim the International Ice Swimming Association ‘Ice Mile’ swim and I now sit on the global board which promotes and governs the sport and have represented GB in the sport of Ice Swimming.

My favourite countryside place is generally in any lake or river, especially the River Wharfe at Boston Spa, which on a summer’s day is a magical place to swim.

Jonty Warneken

Open Country Trustee

I’m proud to be associated with Open Country and the work the team do every day. As an experienced HR Director I’ve seen the difference great teams can make to people’s lives.

My favourite countryside place is Burnsall to Grassington with a nice picnic by the river. I feel very spoilt having so many wonderful walks on our doorstep.

Tracey Jackson

HR Trustee

I am a Chartered Accountant. After many years in private practice I now act as a business adviser, focusing on business development, to clients over a broad range of businesses including in the third sector. I love the outdoors principally walking but golfing and skiing whilst the legs can take it.

My favourite countryside place is generally in the Lake District but Ingleborough and Runswick Bay have great memories.

David Robinson

Open Country Treasurer

During 40 years spent managing businesses I gained experience in Managing Change, H&S, Risk and also in Corporate Risk Management and Contingency Planning. I am a keen off-road cyclist and am passionate about securing as much unobstructed access to the Countryside as is practically possible for all persons, irrespective of their ability.

My favourite countryside place is Wild Boar Fell. It is where I first experienced complete silence in the countryside. A rare and magical experience!

David Titchmarsh

Health & Safety Trustee

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