North York Moors National Park Trust appoints new Director - 12.06.2023

ORGINALLY POSTED 12TH JUNE 2023

The North York Moors National Park Trust is pleased to welcome James Metcalfe as its new Director.

The new Director will oversee the continuation of the Trust’s work to protect the natural and cultural environment of the magnificent North York Moors and the wildlife it supports.

He will develop the Trust’s community-oriented work to further enrich the health and wellbeing of local communities and improve access for those unable to fully prosper from the benefits the local environment offers, whilst also keeping local traditions and heritage alive.

The new Director will also work to diversify funding streams, broaden opportunities for partnership, and develop a pipeline of targeted projects to improve the quality and scope of the Trust’s impact.

North York Moors National Park Trust Director, James Metcalfe, said:

“I am thrilled to be taking over the reins of the North York Moors National Park Trust.

The Trust is a proven partner in the delivery of important projects improving the health of our natural environment and the wildlife it supports and strengthening our understanding of the ecological challenges threatening our magnificent North York Moors and beyond.

But there is no greater moment than now to develop the Trust’s work to also combat the challenges impacting the health and wellbeing of communities within and on the boundary of the North York Moors. I will explore ways to diversify our projects and partnerships for the benefit of both local communities and environment. I encourage businesses, charities and communities looking to collaborate to reach out.

National parks are a national inheritance to be cherished and prospered from by each passing generation. With so many current societal issues to combat, I am passionate about the role our national parks should play now in enhancing the health and wellbeing of people and planet. The Trust will be at the heart of this work in the North York Moors and boarding communities.”

The Trust’s current projects include the National Lottery Heritage Funded Birds on the Edge which is working to rejuvenate habitats that are home to threatened migratory bird populations, such as the Turtle Dove and Yellowhammer, and providing the conditions for birds the thrive in the North York Moors.

The Trust is also host to the River Esk and Coastal Streams Catchment Partnership, a cross-sector collaboration working to improve the health and ecology of the Esk catchment, as well as regular Young Ranger and arts awards.