Our people

Ian Barrett, Chief Executive

It’s a real privilege to be leading an organisation full of fantastic people that are focussed on one of the most important issues of our day – bringing back the abundance of wildlife and restoring nature in our area for the benefit of people and wildlife. Partnership working is a big part of my role - I chair the West of England Nature Partnership and lead Bristol’s One City work on tackling the ecological emergency. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me out exploring nature, visiting reserves, walking and canoeing with family and friends.

Frances Clinch, Nature Reserves and Projects Officer

I started with Avon Wildlife Trust in May 2021. I carry out practical land management across our reserves to benefit wildlife and allow safe and enjoyable access to the public. The Living Landscapes team is supported by a large number of dedicated volunteers, and an important and fun part of my role is leading weekly sessions for some of these volunteers out on ours reserves.

I feel so lucky to work in some of the region's most beautiful and important landscapes, alongside people from such a range of backgrounds and varying expertise – I’m constantly learning!

Julie Doherty, Head of Communities and Engagement

Having been part of the AWT team for over 12 years, I’ve learnt by getting my hands dirty - developing and delivering projects that actively support nature’s recovery - working with children, communities, businesses and volunteers of all abilities . I’m passionate about providing opportunities for people of all ages to connect with, learn about, and care for, the natural world. With nearly 15% of all species now at risk of disappearing completely, and Britain ranked as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, now is the time for collective action to address the ecological emergency we all face.

As Head of the Communities and Engagement team I work with a wonderfully inspiring team, and oversee our Learning, Community and Volunteering programmes. My vision is for Avon to be rich in wildlife, for people to experience nature every day, no matter where they live, and for our region to be one where prioritising wildlife becomes normal.

Lucy Hellier, Learning Manager

I manage much of our learning work, including our school visits to the wonderful Folly Farm centre, our My Wild Child and Wildlife Watch groups and our lifelong learning programmes. I am also lucky enough to lead lots of outdoor learning myself, and love nothing better than helping children explore and learn about our incredible local nature and what they can do to help it thrive. We have a fantastic learning programme for people from 2 to 102, and I feel privileged to work for a charity that is working hard to tackle the ecological and climate crises, whilst bringing more nature into local people’s lives.

Perry Johnson, Membership Recruiter

The natural world is suffering a terrible decline in health. We are all contributing to it whether we want to believe it or not, but there is hope! The Wildlife Trusts do an amazing job in safeguarding our natural world for future generations. I love working for Avon Wildlife Trust as a membership recruiter. I enjoy engaging with the general public and communicating the importance of the work that the Trust does. One of the best ways you can help to support UK wildlife and nature is to support your local Wildlife Trust, and I urge everyone to do so.

Andrea Lakin, Health and Safety Consultant* (outsourced)

I assist the CEO and Senior Leadership Team with H&S management and compliance, through the provision of professional and technical advice and guidance and the delivery of essential H&S training. I also complete H&S Audits and ensure we have robust policy documents, safe working procedures and risk assessments in place. I love working with Avon Wildlife Trust because I am passionate about the vital work they do and personally I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible, in all weathers - it is so good for our mental health and wellbeing.

Chris Kaboutian, Site Manager*

As Site Manager at Grow Wilder, I look after the day to day in the office: supporting my colleagues and serving customers. My job also includes hiring our unique spaces out, leading corporate volunteer days, completing key maintenance and infrastructure upgrades…and anything else that comes up! It’s a real privilege to work in an office surrounded by food, wildflowers and a community that is pushing for a more sustainable future.