Introducing our new Chair

Highly experienced ecologist, land management adviser and self-confessed ‘doer’, Sue Everett, has taken on the role of Chair of the CRT’s Board of Trustees, as Nicholas Watts MBE becomes our charity's President.

Sue has been a supporter of the CRT since it was founded 30 years ago but only became directly involved in 2021, initially using her knowledge and skills to develop the vision for Bere Marsh Farm in Dorset. Last year she was asked to become a Trustee and is now Chair, a role that will need her energy and commitment to help ensure the charity’s long-term strategy is following the most robust path, and that the organisation is structured so it can achieve its goals.

“For me, encouraging nature-friendly farming is a no-brainer, and it’s why I joined The CRT in the first place. I’m taking on the role of Chair after Nicholas, a hugely knowledgeable nature-friendly farmer who leads by example. His new position of President is perfect for him to keep influencing and advising through his own exemplary nature restoration projects,” explained Sue.

“What makes the CRT so special is its land, properties, and people: its volunteers, farmers, tenants, staff, and trustees. I look forward to working with all of them on the journey to achieving a sustainable charity with farms that will produce good food and restore nature at a time when the UK is facing massive challenges on multiple fronts.”

Sue has been involved in charity development and management previously and has the ideal set of skills to work with the Board of Trustees, CEO Danielle Dewe and staff to continue shaping the charity’s five-year-plan.

She was part of a team that set up one of the UK’s first nature consultancies in 1988, called NatureBureau. Since 2000, as a consultant she has provided advice and land management plans to government agencies, farmers and conservation organisations including the RSPB and The Wildlife Trusts. Plus, for over 30 years, she has been a regular news columnist for British Wildlife magazine.

She is now semi-retired and donates her expertise to good causes. The CRT is delighted to benefit from her great depth of experience.

Sue added: “I am 100 per cent committed to this cause. We’re in the middle of an ecological emergency. The CRT must demonstrate its commitment to protect and restore habitats, and reverse species declines on its properties, in line with the national and global 2030 biodiversity targets,” she added.

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Sue Everett

Chair of the Board Trustees
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Trustee
David Mills MBE

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The CRT promotes nature-friendly farming to help reverse biodiversity decline and combat climate change. We believe nature is integral to good farming and we protect, promote and regenerate our land and all life on it. We put our philosophy into practice on over 2,000 acres of working farms, small-holdings and woodland across England.
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