Saul’s previous role was with the Woodland Trust where he led the Conservation Outcomes team – shaping the organisation’s conservation activity through advice, guidance and training, supporting conservation projects across the UK. Prior to this, Saul worked more locally, managing Natural England’s National Nature Reserves from the Wye Valley to the Wyre Forest, including the iconic Moccas Park National Nature Reserve in Herefordshire.

Saul takes on the leadership of the Trust at an important time. Many species of wildlife continue to decline across the UK while threats from extreme weather events, housing and infrastructure developments and intensive agriculture all continue to impact our wildlife and wild places. 

In Herefordshire, there is already lots happening to make a positive impact for nature and great potential for more. The Trust collaborates with landowners and managers to create more nature-friendly farms and landscapes through projects such as Severn Treescapes and Wye Adapt to Climate Change as well as their consultancy services. The Trust also manages their own 55 nature reserves as havens for wildlife including ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, wetlands and traditional orchards. The Trust is leading work in Hereford City with its restoration of Bartonsham Meadows and has just been awarded an initial grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a new project: Hereford ~ River City.

Saul says:
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help to deliver the vision for a Wilder Herefordshire, to see nature thriving across the County and demonstrate the many ways that this can enhance and enrich people’s lives.”