Meet the team
Our trustees
We are a registered charity (Charity Number 1174201) guided by a dedicated board of volunteer trustees. Our trustees represent a diverse range of expertise, including the environment, business and tourism sectors within the Lake District and Cumbria.
Chair
Keith Ashcroft
With a life-long passion for the Lake District, he was previously the Environment Agency’s Area Director for Cumbria and Lancashire leading the response and recovery to major flood events, helping to bring more than £100 million investment to make Cumbria more climate resilient. He also supported the European River Prize-winning Cumbria River Restoration Programme as well as regulation of major industry including the nuclear sector.
He is a former chair of Cumbria Local Resilience Forum, member of Cumbria Chief Officers Group and LEP Investment Panel.
He was awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours in 2024 for services to the environment.
Previously the Environment Agency’s Area Director
Helped to bring more than £100 million investment to make Cumbria more resilient.
Treasurer
Peter Hensman
Peter received an OBE in 2014 for his voluntary services to Cumbria’s rural economy. He was Chairman of the Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency for six years and is Chair of Kendal Futures Board and the Lake District National Park Authority’s Business Task Force. Lake District Estates owns Ullswater Steamers and Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and is a corporate supporter and fundraiser for the Lake District Foundation.
OBE for his voluntary service
Peter received an OBE in 2014 for his voluntary services to Cumbria’s rural economy.
Environment Agency
Andy Brown
Andy has worked for the Environment Agency for 27 years, and began doing environmental monitoring and regulation. From 2003 his work was largely focused on the Environment Agency’s flood risk management work locally and nationally and more recently, incident management work nationally. He now leads work in Cumbria & Lancashire on water company investment and partnerships to deliver environmental improvements. When family time allows, he likes to either be active swimming, walking or dreaming of still running! When not being active he’ll be listening to podcasts or reading.
Flood risk management
Andy has worked for the Environment Agency for 27 years.
West Cumbria Rivers Trust
Jodie Mills
Jodie has played a key role in growing West Cumbria Rivers Trust, expanding the team from just five staff members when she started 10 years ago to a thriving organisation of 31 today. She is also proud of her work on St Helena Island, where she trained apprentices in conservation as part of a Darwin Initiative Project. This project helped shift perceptions, demonstrating that working in the environment is a valuable and rewarding career path.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the environmental sector, Jodie is deeply passionate about nature conservation, particularly inspiring and empowering people to connect with nature. She feels privileged to have built a career dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural world.
Nature conservation and community
30 years of experience
Director, National Trust North
Mike Innerdale
Mike has spent the majority of his career working in land management within protected areas across a variety of government, private and third sector organisations.
Mike joined the National Trust in 2007 as a General Manager in the Peak District estate. In 2012 Mike became the Trust’s North Region Assistant Director with overall strategic and operational responsibility for Cumbria and North Lancashire. In September 2018, Mike became Director of the North, a region which stretches from Lindisfarne in the North East, to Nostell Priory in South Yorkshire, and from the Lake District to Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire.
National Trust
In 2012 Mike became the Trust’s North Region Assistant Director with overall strategic and operational responsibility for Cumbria and North Lancashire.
Retired as Manager Director at James Cropper PLC
Richard Bracewell
Richard retired as Managing Director at James Cropper PLC in December 2024, where he led the Paper & Packaging division after originally joining the company as Marketing Director. Prior to this, he spent 19 years in international marketing roles, including as Head of Global Sponsorships.
Having lived and worked near Kendal for many years, Richard has a strong connection to the Lake District and its communities. As an active conservationist and outdoor enthusiast, he is passionate about protecting the national park’s natural environment while ensuring people can experience and enjoy its many benefits. When not championing sustainable growth in the region, he can be found fell walking, skiing, cycling, playing tennis, or volunteering for conservation projects.
Sustainable growth
Passionate about protecting the national park’s natural environment
Former director of George Fisher Ltd
Andy Airey
Andy is a Cumbrian outdoor enthusiast. He is a keen walker, runner, skier and biker and loves living life outdoors. Andy recently left his role as director of iconic Keswick outdoor retail shop George Fisher Ltd after 26 years and as a very active and influential member of the Outdoor Industries Association, Andy brings immense knowledge of both the retail sector and local conservation issues.
Influential member of the Outdoor Industries Association
Andy brings immense knowledge of both the retail sector and local conservation issues.
Managing Director, Cumbria Tourism
Gill Haigh
During her 25 year career in marketing and communications, Gill has gained substantial leadership experience across both the private and public sectors. Gill was previously Director of Marketing and Recruitment at the University of Cumbria. Her previous jobs include heading up destination marketing and tourism services for Lancaster City Council. She also spent four years as North West Public Relations Manager for the National Farmers’ Union, having begun her career as a journalist. Gill lives near Kirkby Lonsdale with her husband and two children and enjoys spending her leisure time walking in Cumbria.
25 year career in marketing
Gill has gained substantial leadership experience across both the private and public sectors.
Board Member, Booths
Graham Booth
As a board member of EH Booth & Co Ltd, Graham has been responsible for fresh produce and more recently estates, including store procurement and design. In his spare time Graham enjoys rambling in the Lakes as well as managing a small forestry scheme. He also has a passion for restoring classic cars.
Graham is excited to be on the board, stating, “The Lake District has meant so much to me and my family over the years and I welcome the opportunity to work to protect this wonderful landscape.”
Local produce and business
As a board member of EH Booth & Co Ltd, Graham has been responsible for fresh produce
Head of Sales and Marketing, Langdale Leisure
Dan Visser
Moving to the Lake District to further his career in hospitality and for lifestyle reasons, Dan joined Langdale Leisure in 2008 as Director of Sales and Marketing, returning the business to profitability and part of the team which delivers sustainable solutions and supports local communities.
Dan is also a non-executive Director and Vice Chair of Cumbria Tourism and is active in developing and supporting a sustainable visitor economy. Dan was also part of the team that developed the Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Site branding, interpretation and engagement activity with visitors and communities.
Sustainability
Dan joined Langdale Leisure in 2008 as Director of Sales and Marketing, returning the business to profitability and part of the team which delivers sustainable solutions and supports local communities.
Economist and Strategic Consultant
Stephen Nicol
Stephen is an experienced economist and strategic consultant with a keen interest in places and the environment. He founded and led a successful economic consultancy in Manchester and London for 15 years, bringing a wealth of expertise in economics and business to the Foundation.
With a deep passion for the Lake District’s landscape, nature, and cultural heritage, Stephen believes the Foundation plays a crucial role in preserving and enhancing this special place. He has also led fundraising and development for new changing rooms and a café at his village’s community-run swimming pool. When not championing sustainable growth, he enjoys cycling, hill walking, gardening, acting and exploring local history.
Finance
Experienced economist and strategic consultant with a keen interest in places and the environment.
Chief Executive of the Lake District National Park Authority
Gavin Capstick
Gavin brings a wealth of experience in public sector service delivery and management. With a strong commitment to protecting the Lake District, he will represent the LDNPA on the Lake District Foundation board, working to raise funds that support the conservation of the area. His passion extends beyond his professional role, with a personal dedication to ensuring that nature, wildlife and local communities thrive together. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking across rugged trails, fell walking and spending quality time with family amidst the natural beauty of Cumbria.
Loves outdoor adventures
Gavin enjoys mountain biking across rugged trails, fell walking and spending quality time with family amidst the natural beauty of Cumbria.
United Utilities - Stakeholder Management
Kate
A senior communications professional with around 20 years of experience in the field, specialising in key corporate projects and programs within the public sector in Cumbria. Previously served as Assistant Director of Communications for Cumberland Council following Local Government Reorganisation and more recently joined United Utilities in a stakeholder management role.
Charity
Raised several thousand pounds for various charities through running.
