Strangford man appointed head of National Trust

Strangford man appointed head of National Trust

15 June 2016

A STRANGFORD man has been appointed to the most senior position in the National Trust in Northern Ireland.

Dr Bob Brown, an internationally renowned conservation expert and lecturer, is the new chairman of the Trust’s Regional Advisory Board for Northern Ireland.

Originally from Sussex, he has a strong connection with Northern Ireland. From 1981-1991 he managed the National Trust’s Strangford Lough Wildlife Scheme and wrote a widely acclaimed book on the area’s unique wildlife. 

He later became Director of RSPB’s Northern Ireland operation and Chairman of the NI Biodiversity Group. In 2004 he was awarded his OBE for services to nature conservation.

Speaking about his appointment, Dr Brown said it’s giving him a curious mixture of trepidation and delight. 

“There are such opportunities across the Trust’s amazing landscapes, gardens and historic houses,” he said. “The radical improvements to the demesne and mansion house at Mount Stewart and a new visitor centre at Florence Court are just some of the most exciting, recent developments.

“But there are challenges too, including fundamental changes in the Northern Ireland government and planning system that may affect our best-loved landscapes; climate change and its big impacts on our coast; and the continued loss of wildlife.

“In facing these challenges, the biggest resource the Trust has is its members. Our 72,000 members in Northern Ireland are an enormous force for quality of life in this little corner of the world. 

“Many of those members give extra – last year, the Trust benefited from almost a quarter of a million of volunteer hours in Northern Ireland, and we simply couldn’t do the vital work we do without it.”

Dr Brown takes over from Roy Bailie OBE who is stepping down after six years as Chairman of the Regional Advisory Board, Northern Ireland.