Our People

The Natural History Consortium brings together the skills and experience of a unique gathering of people to achieve our collective aim of engaging people with the natural world.

Our Partners: NHC Steering Group

Each of the members of the Natural History Consortium is actively involved in setting the agenda for NHC activities and programmes through the NHC Steering Group, as well as specific planning committees and consultation groups for each of the major programmes.

Amy Coulthard – Avon Wildlife Trust

Director of Conservation & Delivery Programmes

Mark Minkley – Bath & North East Somerset Council

Environment and Design Manager

Stephanie Marshall – BBC

Head of BBC West

Richard Ennion – Bristol City Council

Environmental Improvement Manager

Ray Barnett – Bristol City Council

Head of Collections & Archives at Bristol Culture

Simon Garrett – Bristol Zoo Gardens

Head of Public Engagement

Tessa Wardley –  Defra

Environmental Impacts Cell – Business Engagement

Libby Burke – Forestry England

Programmes Manager

Anna Russell – National Trust

Assistant Director Consultancy

Susan Hayward – National Trust

South West Consultancy Curator for Bristol

Helen Featherstone – University of Bath

Head of Public Engagement

Dee Smart – University of Bristol

Deputy Head of Public Engagement

Kate Miller – University of Bristol

Head of Public Engagement

Jackie Rogers – University of the West of England

Associate Dean – Learning, Teaching ＆ Student Experience

Mark Simpson – Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

Head of Content

Heather Elgar – Woodland Trust

Regional External Affairs Officer

Staff Team

Our experienced and dynamic staff team delivers the NHC programme of events and activities on behalf of the Consortium partnership. You can contact any of our team at info@bnhc.org.uk

Savita Willmott – Chief Executive

Savita joined the NHC in 2006, when the partners who make up the consortium were finding  their way in the first years working together.  She managed the NHC’s transition to charitable status in 2008, and as Chief Executive continues to grow the impact and reach of the projects locally, nationally and internationally

Matt Postles – Deputy Chief Executive

Matt joined the NHC in 2011 running our volunteer programme before joining the team full time. With over a decade’s experience in delivering community engagement, professional development and partnership programmes and having worked extensively across all of our programmes, Matt now oversees the development and delivery of the full suite of NHC projects.

Stuart Payton – Programmes Officer

After volunteering at NHC events for several years, Stuart joined the team in 2017 and is our resident project delivery powerhouse, working across the full range of NHC programmes. Stuart is an active member of the Bristol Nature Network, sitting on the committee as their NHC representative.

Ellie Turner-Wallace – Programmes Officer

Ellie joined the team in February 2020, having previously worked in education and engagement rolls for organisations such as the National Trust, American Museum and Gardens, and Secret World Wildlife Rescue. Ellie particularly enjoys sharing her passion for nature and conservation with children and young people.

Trustees

Our Board of Trustees oversee the governance of the charity, bringing a wide range of experience to support the staff team and partnership.

Ian Barrett – Chief Executive at Avon Wildlife Trust

Dr Justin Morris – Chief Executive at Bristol Zoological Society

Martin Brasher – Independant

Rosa Robinson – Independant

Peter Ball – Independant