Karen is the Scheme Manager, hosted by the Peak District National Park Authority. Karen is responsible for the delivery of the landscape partnership: setting the strategic direction; leading on the day to day operation; management of staff, consultants and contractors; working with partners; reporting to funders and partners; and leading where needed on the direct delivery of key projects.
She has qualifications in environmental studies and biodiversity & conservation and has considerable experience at working in partnership with a variety of organisations. In a previous role she led on the Aggregates Levy funded project ‘Crayfish Arks for the Peak District & Derbyshire’. Karen has experience of working with volunteers, conducting ecological surveys and field research and has travelled widely in Africa and, to a lesser extent, in South East Asia, she also enjoys walking, gardening, DIY and a glass of red wine.
Karen has been involved in the SWPLP from its early conception, through the submission of the Stage 1 application to the Heritage Lottery Fund and subsequently led on the development phase, the submission of the Stage 2 application and the production of the Landscape Conservation Action Plan.
Making the outdoors more accessible for visitors through trail improvements and guided walks.
Creating education opportunities for young people in the great outdoors.
Providing educational materials for communities and interpretive training for volunteers.
Introducing new groups of people to a wild and beautiful landscape through local champions.
Telling the engaging tale of farming in the South West Peak through individual histories.
Repairing and improving footpaths and stone walls at the iconic and beautiful Roaches.
Providing practical business training for those aspiring to get a foot on the farming ladder.