THE National Trust has named Mike Innerdale as its new Regional Director for the North of England, and Jeremy Barlow as his permanent successor.
Mike, the previous Assistant Director (ADO) for Cumbria and North Lancashire, says he is immensely proud to be appointed to a senior leadership role in Europe’s fourth largest conservation charity.
The 47-year-old, who lives with his family in the Eden Valley, has worked for the National Trust for 12 years, six years as the ADO. His interest in land management began with geography studies at St Martin’s College, Lancaster. A summer spent with a Lake District ranger led to a spell with The Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and jobs at the Forestry Commission in Grizedale and Whinlatter. Mike has also held positions further afield including with the Forestry Commission in the North York Moors, Severn Trent Water in the Peak District and the North of England Reserves Manager for the RSPB.
In his new role Mike has overall responsibility for the operation, care and management of the Trust’s places across the North of England. That includes nearly 96,000 hectares of countryside, 51 miles of coastline, and 690 listed buildings.
Commenting on his appointment, Mike said: “I am as passionate now as I was when I started my career 20 years ago, in engaging people with conservation and beautiful locations. A priority for me will be doing more to make everyone feel welcome and that we have something relevant to offer. We want to reflect more of the rich diversity of cultures and distinctive regional personalities across the North of England and help others who also look after special places.
Jeremy Barlow has been confirmed as Mike’s permanent predecessor. Jeremy has worked with the Trust in the Lake District for nearly 20 years. This has included responsibility for popular spots like Aira Force, Allan Bank and Sticklebarn as well as land and farms in Trust care across Central and East Lakes.
Jeremy says the Trust has the huge responsibility of looking after a fifth of the Lake District National Park, now a World Heritage Site. He said: “This means doing great conservation work, investing in our visitor welcome and providing inspiring experiences for the millions of people who come here each year. Our tenant farmers who look after our 90 working farms are part of that. We remain committed to doing whatever we can to support a future for these farms, traditional breeds and to making farming and conservation work together.”
