Our management team
The Langdyke Countryside Trust management team and board is made up of a diverse mix of people from many different backgrounds – but all with a common interest … helping nature to thrive.
It is chaired by Richard Astle who wears a large number of nature supporting hats. As well as Langdyke, Richard is a driving force behind the John Clare Countryside project and is chair of Natural Cambridgeshire – the local nature partnership for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.
Richard, who actually owns the Trust’s flock of sheep – a mix of Hebridean and Jacob – is an enthusiastic bird watcher and nature champion.
He spends countless hours representing the Trust, seeking out new opportunities and championing nature projects.
In recent times he has also been involved in raising funds, medical equipment and other support for Ukrainian families, having made a number of trips through Europe with supplies. He was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to charity and nature.
After many years as treasurer, Brian Lawrence has finally stepped aside from the role but remains as an advisor. Brian is a former local government finance expert and nowadays spends many hours pursuing his passion for birdwatching.
Accomplished photographer Sarah Lambert combines her role as a botanist with an expert knowledge of other wildlife and as well as being a board member she is also one of the Trust’s Artists in Residence. She is also a leading light in the Wildlife Trust locally.
She works as a freelance ecologist undertaking detailed habitat and plant surveys throughout the country. She is a regular contributor to the Trust’s Facebook pages answering the questions of users and helping people develop their plant identification skills and increase their understanding of plant ecology.
Another stalwart member of the Langdyke team is David Cowcill who brings a wealth of experience from his time tending, loving and championing the countryside in the areas around his Glinton home. He has been a leading figure in the recent discussions, fighting hard with Anglian Water to ensure the Trust gets the best possible outcome from the major pipeline work that will affect the Etton Maxey reserve.
David has a leading role across the reserves – and in particular the Etton ones – acting as a warden and leading the weekly work parties.
He can regularly be seen either walking his dog Brecken as he observes nature and monitors water levels on the Etton Maxey reserve or driving his vintage tractor and trailer across the land. He lovingly maintains a variety of vintage farm machinery including ploughs and grass cutting contraptions.
He is also a leading member of the Trust’s reserves committee working with Chris Topper, Stuart Irons, Sue Welch and others to ensure our reserves are kept in tip top condition.
Board secretary Antony Mould loves crawling around in roof spaces and caves indulging in his passion for bats. He enjoys visits to Barnack Hills and Holes, near to where he lives, and Castor Hanglands.
Mike Horne holds a key role with the John Clare Countryside vision project, heavily involved in the work of the project, working closely with landowners and other key figures in ensuring the future success of the vision. Mike also leads work parties in various locations, particular around the Castor and Ailsworth area and was key to the addition of M’Ladys Pond and Marholm Field Bank as Langdyke nature project areas.
Claire Noble is responsible for the many great events that are available to Langdyke members. As well as being the organiser she has become a familiar face to the many people to attend them. She is a regular visitor to the reserves with her family and enjoys the benefits of the nature in the great outdoors.
Another nature expert on the board is Justin Tilley. His experience as a senior member of the Natural England team is invaluable to Langdyke. He has also led a number of walking visits to our reserves pointing out important features to members.
Etton resident David Rowell – a former regional daily newspaper editor – is not only an enthusiastic working party member. He uses his journalism skills to look after the Trust’s publicity and edits the website and regular newsletter updates to members. He is also a trustee.
After a career with Perkins Engines Martin Parsons is combining his role as a board member and trustee to pursue his passion for landscape restoration and wildlife conservation.
In recent years he has completed an MSc in applied wildlife conservation and has a strong interest in peatland restoration.
The man who looks after the Trust’s money is treasurer Andrew Strand. Andrew has held senior finance positions at a number of large companies and recently retired. As well as looking after the books he also volunteers at work parties.
Trustee and board member Peter Hiller– a Peterborough city councillor – represents the rural wards surrounding his Maxey home.
The two newest trustees and board members are Mark Asplin and Susie Hall Lucas. Mark, who lives in Maxey, is responsible for health and safety issues. Susie looks after volunteer issues.
Another important member of the management team is Angela Trotter who looks after membership matters.
Meet some of our volunteers