Trustees & Life President

James has always lived near Epping Forest, and believes with its rich biodiversity this magnificent resource must be preserved, so that it can be used by everyone to improve their health and wellbeing.

As well as being a trustee, James is a school governor at a local Primary Academy and a Cultural Governor in Waltham Forest. During his career as a civil servant he has worked in several central government departments where he has been involved in work on environment and climate change policy.

In his role as a Trustee he not only wants to protect and nurture the Forest to flourish but also encourage all members from our diverse local community to feel welcome when visiting this excellent resource and in so doing hopefully encourage people of all ages to become more interested in learning about the biodiversity, conservation, heritage and culture of the Forest.

Rosie is a specialist in strategy and finance. Since graduating from Oxford with an MA in Human Sciences, she dived into the charity sector, before qualifying as a chartered accountant (ACA) at PwC and going on to focus on strategy consulting, working with a range of public and private sector clients, from government agencies to investment funds to FTSE 100 companies. She is currently Strategy Director at the Telegraph. Born and raised in the Shropshire countryside, Rosie now lives in Chingford and enjoys exploring the forest and all its wonders with her family.

Abi grew up in Yorkshire, where they spent most of their childhood exploring their local forest and enjoying hikes in the Peak District. Abi studied BSc Geography at Lancaster University and has gained a wealth of experience educating young people across the UK and beyond, through their work with community groups, sports coaching, schools and more. Abi moved to London in 2022, joining The Hive (formerly Suntrap) to work as an environmental educator in Epping Forest.

Inspired by the wonders of the natural world, Abi utilises their passion to inspire others to understand, connect with and protect nature. Abi is passionate about Queer Ecology, increasing inclusion and access to nature, as well as inspiring climate action through outdoor learning.

David is a finance professional with experience of financial reporting, controlling, strategy and investment. He grew up in Walthamstow and has many fond childhood memories of the forest. Now living in Chingford, he enjoys spending weekends exploring the forest with his young family.

His passion for the natural world informed his choice of degree subject, graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Geography at Durham University. He qualified as a chartered accountant during six and a half years with PwC, including a two year secondment to Bogota, Colombia.

David has since worked predominantly in the energy and agricultural sectors. He currently works for Ørsted, the world leader in Offshore Wind.

Derek has lived near the southern tip of Epping Forest for 20 years and loves running along its almost infinite trails, admiring the rich diversity of species it is home to. Passionate about equity of access, he keenly champions the Epping Forest Heritage Trust’s commitment to increasing a sense of inclusion and belonging within the Forest for all demographics and communities.

Alongside his day job as an HR Analyst and his role as a Cubs/Scouts leader, Derek is a Trustee and volunteer team leader for the River Roding Trust, and loves helping to connect others with the ecology of northeast London.

Jo lives in the south of Epping Forest and loves walking in the Forest with her family and identifying birds and nature.

Jo has been a Redbridge councillor representing Wanstead Village since 2018 and was appointed cabinet member for the environment and civic pride in 2021.

Her professional background is in campaigns and policy, most recently heading up a global campaign to tackle deforestation.

Jo was previously trustee and vice chair of Friends of Wanstead Parklands. Jo also set up the Aldersbrook Playground Campaign which made the case for improved facilities for children in Wanstead Park.

Jo is also a governor at a local primary school, Vice Chair of the East London Waste Authority, and represents London Councils on the Mayor of London’s Sustainable Development Commission.

Jo is head of research at a sustainable finance NGO, trying to help the bond market invest more responsibly. She is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and an experienced charity treasurer.

Jo grew up close to the forest, and after spending time living in central London she has recently returned to its doorstep. She is enjoying rediscovering it throughout the seasons, and wants to help protect such a special place.

Lucy Dawes has lived close to Epping Forest for over 45 years and frequently visits the Forest. She is currently Vice-Chair of the Friends of Wanstead Parklands. She is very concerned about the current threats posed to the Forest including climate change, increasing built environment developments and the impact of increasing visitor numbers. She is keen to be involved in seeking and supporting local solutions to these issues where possible.

Lucy is now retired having worked most recently on a freelance basis as an international child justice/child protection consultant. She is the former Director of Operations, at the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales. She started her working life as a Probation Officer.

Neil is Chief Risk Officer for the European business of an Australian financial services company, and has over 20 years of legal, compliance and risk experience. He practised law for 15 years in law firms and subsequently in banking, before taking on leadership roles in risk management.

Neil has a passion for the outdoors, and having lived in Leytonstone and South Woodford for 15 years has developed a love for Epping Forest, experienced through running, cycling, walking and birdwatching with his family. As the father of a son with a learning disability, he is committed to creating further opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the Forest.

With a professional background in environmental education, Tricia’s work has been to encourage others to understand and engage with the natural world. She has been associated with Epping Forest for over 50 years, initially helping to establish the Field Centre at High Beach, where she became enthralled with the complexity of the Forest’s history and ecology.  In 1992, she joined the City of London staff at the Warren as Information Officer for Epping Forest.

Although she retired in 2005, she has continued to strengthen her links with the Forest. As a Trustee of the Epping Forest Heritage Trust, she seeks to influence those who are concerned about its future as it faces the threats of massive built development, poor air quality, increased visitor pressure and climate change.

Having trained in biology, education and ecology in Canada and Britain, Judy’s working career has been focused on education, conservation and outdoor recreation, which she has very much enjoyed. Initially leading school parties around Epping Forest, she moved to Lee Valley Regional Park where she developed and managed country parks, nature reserves and visitor centres and laterally led on Corporate Policy. Most recently, she was Chief Executive of Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.

Since coming to the Forest in 1975, she has led many guided walks, taught adult courses in ecology and natural history, including the Ecology and Conservation Diploma at Birkbeck College and weekend courses at Debden House. She has chaired several nature/land based partnerships and charities, including Lea River Trust and was a member of the Canal and River Trust London Partnership. She chaired and led the merger of the two founding charities of Epping Forest Heritage Trust: the Friends of Epping Forest and the Epping Forest Centenary Trust. Epping Forest is in her psyche.