National Park boss to lead conservation charity

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust has appointed Peak District National Park Authority chief executive Sarah Fowler to lead the charity.

She joins as the WWT’s next chief executive in March 2022 relacing interim chief executive Kevin Peberdy, who will remain with the charity as chief operating officer.

The last permanent CEO at the charity was Martin Spray, who retired in 2020 after 16 years.

The recruitment of his permanent successor had been delayed due to the Covid pandemic.

As well as overseeing the work of the Peak District National Park Authority she has also led on regional and national work around National Parks and conservative. This includes restoring England’s upland peatland in the North of England.

She has also held roles at the Environment Agency, RSPB, English Nature and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

We're delighted to share the news that Sarah Fowler from @peakdistrict will be joining WWT as our new Chief Executive!

Sarah's conservation and leadership experience will help to drive our worldwide advocacy of #wetlands and their wildlife 💧

Read more > https://t.co/7DLaK1tdqv pic.twitter.com/EnDkzyS9VS
— WWT (@WWTworldwide) December 6, 2021

“Sarah joins WWT at a key moment in our development as we focus on the role that wetlands can play in helping to meet our most pressing environmental and societal challenges,” said the charity.

Fowler added: “I plan to bring my track record and personal drive to help protect, enhance and extend the vibrancy of blue spaces, both nationally and internationally.

“In doing so, we can create opportunities for people and communities to connect, enjoy, value and make space for water and wetlands and the immense diversity of wildlife they sustain.”