The North Devon Coast National Landscape Partnership has welcomed Liesje Birchenough as its new Chair and Dominic Elson as Vice Chair, bringing a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to protecting and championing this special landscape.
The Partnership brings together representatives from local authorities, communities, conservation organisations, landowners and other partners to help guide the work of the North Devon Coast National Landscape.
Liesje Birchenough takes on the role of Chair, supported by Dominic Elson as Vice Chair. Together, they will help lead the Partnership as it works to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the National Landscape, while supporting the people and communities who live, work and care for it.
Having previously worked for Flora & Fauna International, Dorset Wildlife Trust and Northam Burrows Country Park, Liesje brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the natural environment, alongside a strong understanding of how people connect with and enjoy it. For the past four years, she has also chaired Coastwise North Devon, a local citizen science group.
Dominic brings extensive experience from his time on the Exmoor National Park Authority Board, where he was a strong advocate for supporting farmers to adapt to the challenges of a changing climate. He also contributed to Exmoor’s Nature Recovery Vision and its work on equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as serving on the Farming in Protected Landscapes panel.
Liesje Birchenough, Chair of the North Devon Coast National Landscape Partnership, said:
“I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of the North Devon Coast National Landscape Partnership. I live and work in the area and love being on the coast enjoying the fabulous scenery and wildlife. I hope we’ll be able to create more space for nature, with increased wildflowers, butterflies and bees, and enhanced opportunities for people to get out and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife that makes the area so special.”
Dominic Elson, Vice Chair, said:
“It is a privilege to become Vice Chair and I am looking forward to working alongside Liesje, the wider Partnership and the National Landscape team. I hope to bring my experience of working with Indigenous communities in southeast Asia to introduce new ways of thinking about community, place and culture in North Devon“
The appointments come at an important time for the National Landscape Partnership, with the latest management plan focussing work to address challenges including nature recovery, climate change, pressures on the landscape and ensuring that people from all backgrounds have opportunities to enjoy, understand and help care for this nationally important place.
Joe Newberry, North Devon Coast National Landscape Manager, said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Liesje and Dominic as our new Chair and Vice Chair. The Partnership plays a vital role in bringing different organisations, communities and perspectives together around a shared ambition for the North Devon Coast.
Liesje and Dominic bring valuable experience and enthusiasm to their new roles, and we look forward to working with them as we continue to protect this extraordinary landscape and ensure it remains a thriving place for nature, people and communities.
The North Devon Coast National Landscape Partnership would also like to thank Dr Eirene Williams and Richard Prowse for their contribution and commitment to the Partnership and the National Landscape during their time in the roles”
