Tewkesbury Nature Reserve is led by a small Board of Trustees.
This is composed of local residents, advised by a Management Team which includes representatives of some of our partner organisations (including the Environment Agency, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and a regional university), alongside local enthusiasts. A Reserve Manager (employed on a part-time basis) has responsibility for the day-to-day management of the reserve, and can call on an active pool of volunteers for help with suitable tasks. Learning and Outreach activities linked to the reserve are co-ordinated by staff employed on a part-time basis, including the Learning and Well-being Officer, the Access and Community Officer, the Do One Thing Project Officer and Volunteer Co-ordinator.
Meet the staff
Hi, I’m Giles the Volunteer Co-ordinator. I work two days a week at TNR, job share with Pat, helping to increase opportunities for volunteers to get involved with practical reserve management. I also run workshops and the Citizen Science events.
I also work for Cleeve Common Trust providing conservation advice and working with volunteers on conservation and wildlife monitoring projects. Prior to moving to Gloucestershire, I spent seventeen wonderful years managing Warburg Nature Reserve in Oxfordshire for the Wildlife Trust.
In my spare time I enjoy getting out in the countryside on foot or by bike. Over lockdown I built a canoe and have had lots of fun paddling our local rivers.
Hi, I am Beth, the Do-One-Thing Project Officer. I work 1-day per week on the Do-One-Thing Project, working with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust to help people in Tewkesbury, Do-One-Thing for nature.
In my other role I am a Geological Consultant, working for geological conservation charity covering Herefordshire and Worcestershire. I spend my time working on projects that help people understand the stories of the rocks beneath their feet.
In my spare time I like to explore and visit hidden and “lost” historical sites, especially railways, quarries and mines.
Hi, I’m Pat Barber and I’m the Reserve Manager. I started working for TNR in June 2019 following a long career with Natural England, which is part of Defra, working as a Lead Adviser in the Land Management Team.
My previous work involved setting up and managing environmental agreements to benefit a wide range of wildlife and habitats. These ranged from wetlands to species-rich grasslands and arable land, including many Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) which are high priority sites. I’ve worked in most counties around this area, and it’s quite satisfying when I travel around to see many projects that I helped start are up still in place and effective!
In my spare time I play sax and keyboards in a band, so never bored!
Hello! I’m Sarah, the Learning and Wellbeing Officer. I aim to bring the joy of the Reserve to as many people as possible, helping individuals and the community to connect with nature through a variety of workshops and events.
I have several years of experience working in the NHS and charity sectors, including providing social opportunities for children and young people with a variety of needs. I’m super passionate about nature and its ability to improve our health and wellbeing.
Outside of work, you’ll find me hiking, camping and starting endless arty projects- currently trying very hard to get to grips with crochet.
Hi, I’m Eve, the Access and Community Officer. I hope to expand the use of the Reserve so that more of the community can enjoy being in nature as much as I do.
I have spent the last four years studying BSc Marine Environmental Science and MSc Coastal and Marine Resource Management, as well as working in several customer facing roles. I am passionate about conserving the natural environment and believe that everyone should have the opportunity to access nature.
In my spare time you will find me at the gym, baking, or reading – I love to escape to other worlds in fantasy fiction books.
Meet the Trustees
My professional background is in geography – water management, risk and resilience and community-based learning.
I work in higher education at University of the West of England but live in Bishops Cleeve. Skills – alongside a love of the outdoors – include education and bid writing.
I retired in 2003 (early!) from Eagle Star / Zurich after a career in IT, Personnel and latterly facilities management. I was appointed the TNR Manager in December 2013.
For the next 6 years we converted collection of fields into a community nature reserve, developed the infrastructure, installed a car park, information posts and lecterns, and introduced cows and sheep, bird hides and the wildflower meadow.
I was Chairperson of TNR from 2020 to 2023. I am delighted we have attracted 7 new trustees to join the four current trustees overseeing all aspects of the reserve.
Worked for 35 years in education – a mix of lecturing, training teachers, exhibition organisation, authoring careers books and administration – now retired.
My interests include art and design, literature, exploring the local region on foot, visiting museums, rail transport and doing battle with weeds on my allotment. I like to participate in volunteer work parties on the Reserve.
I work in science communication, having previously worked in wildlife conservation and research for almost 15 years.
My primary areas of interest include wildlife ecology and conservation, biodiversity restoration, environmental sustainability, and the relationship between nature and human wellbeing.
I enjoy walking, running, yoga, travelling, baking, and generally exploring the outdoors!
I studied environmental policy at the University of Gloucestershire and work for Natural England (the government’s adviser for the natural environment), influencing local authorities and developers to protect and enhance the natural environment through their planning decisions.
I live in Tewkesbury town centre with my young family and enjoy daily walks in our wonderful green spaces, with my two young kids, husband and dog.
I enjoy road biking (shorter distances!), Pilates, my book club, spending time with my friends with (and without!) our kids, and am an active member of Tewkesbury Friends of the Earth.
I currently work in the Data and Insight team at a conservation charity and grew up in the Tewkesbury area.
In my spare time I enjoy exploring the countryside with my dog on foot and paddle board, making the most of my garden growing lots of veggies and also play football for a local team.
I am a qualified accountant who works for a firm in Cheltenham as a Senior Manager in the audit department, with experience in the not-for-profit sector.
My wife and I moved to Tewkesbury in 2011 and reside on the Wheatpieces estate, a stone’s through from the Reserve itself.
I enjoy travel and languages and have lived and worked previously in Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. I am also a big football fan and organised the walking football group in Tewkesbury.
Management Group
The Management Group is chaired by Pat Barber, Reserve Manager and provides the day to day running of the Reserve.
Head to our ‘Contact Us’ page using the button below if you have any queries.
