Ecosystems Knowledge Network is delighted to announce environmental business leader Chris Fry as the new Chair of its Board of Trustees. He will lead the oversight of this award-winning charitable forum that is charting new and positive ways of responding to our nature and climate challenges.

Following his appointment, Chris said

"Ecosystems Knowledge Network has a unique role in assembling the expertise to resolve our nature and climate challenges in a positive, inclusive, and enterprising manner. I am delighted to take this role as the organisation expands its role as a trusted place for learning and sharing of innovation.

"Ecosystems Knowledge Network has a refreshingly positive response to the prevailing storyline of environmental doom and decline. This is because it highlights the positives of what a restored environment can do for people and nature. Throughout the UK, we see fantastic innovation in environmental stewardship that is good for business big and small, as well as supporting the needs of local communities. The Network's mission is to make this innovation known so it becomes the norm and not the exception."

Chris succeeds Sarah Jane Chimbwandira, Chief Executive of Surrey Wildlife Trust, who served as Board Chair of Ecosystems Knowledge Network from 2020 to 2023. He is supported by a well-qualified team of trustees familiar with environmental policy and practice throughout the UK.

Ecosystems Knowledge Network Director, Dr Bruce Howard, who has led the organisation's operations since its inception in 2011, said:

"I am looking forward to working with Chris Fry in order to fulfil our charitable mission. We are all about harnessing the potential of an inclusive and impartial network in which expertise and insight is shared across the borders of the UK and between the boundaries of different interest groups."

Sarah Jane Chimbwandira said:

"Ecosystems Knowledge Network is a uniquely positive initiative supporting hundreds of local environmental initiatives throughout the UK, as well as many other organisations with a stake in securing the value of nature. It has been a pleasure to serve it as a trustee and look forward to seeing it grow from strength to strength."