The charity, Earth Trust aims to inspire people to address climate, biodiversity and wellbeing with the power of natural green spaces. The newly appointed Chief Executive, Ian Barrett brings a wealth of experience in nature conservation, community engagement, influencing, and partnership working to the environmental charity.
Barrett joins Earth Trust after eight years with Avon Wildlife Trust (AWT), where he led pioneering work on biodiversity net gain, implemented new approaches to community empowerment, and significantly grew the Trust’s nature recovery work with farmers and landowners. He worked as England South Director at Sustrans, where he oversaw community-led design projects, honing his skills in sustainable transport and urban planning. Barrett’s experience also includes working as a civil servant, where he tackled a wide range of environmental policy areas, giving him valuable insights into governmental processes. Most recently, as Chair of the West of England Nature Partnership, he spearheaded pioneering work on Nature Recovery Networks, showcasing his commitment to landscape-scale conservation and collaborative approaches to environmental challenges.
As we face the triple threat of climate change, loss of biodiversity, and a massive public health crisis, the charity’s mission has never been more critical. Central to their strategy is putting people at the heart of change. By showcasing nature-based solutions that benefit both biodiversity and people, Earth Trust aims to foster a deeper understanding of our ecosystem and inspire a wider community of change-makers to take action for the planet.
The charity plans to transform the Earth Trust centre into an innovative, inclusive hub for learning and discovery, Barrett’s leadership will be crucial in driving both the charity’s £10 million Gateway development project and broader ambitious vision. Through this transformation, alongside their wider work, Earth Trust hopes to inspire and empower communities to address environmental crises through the power of natural green spaces.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Earth Trust. This is an organisation with a deep understanding of the potential for people and places to take positive action for our climate, wildlife, health and wellbeing. Earth Trust has such exciting plans to demonstrate the power of nature, engage more people and influence for a world where nature and people can thrive together. I can’t wait to get started.”