25th June 2026
Chris, can you tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve worked in the industry for?
I originally studied Environmental Management at Lancaster University and have been working in land management for over 25 years in both charity and local government sectors. My experience has granted me a rounded understanding of the challenges within maintaining quality of sites in the long term if this is not designed and/or costed in at the point of acquisition.
What’s been your favourite elements of your role since you joined the Land Trust in 2014?
It’s incredibly rewarding to provide sustainable high quality land management solutions and adding new sites to our portfolio. My time with the Trust has also provided me with an opportunity to work directly in delivering a wide range of community and environmental improvements at Fort Burgoyne as well as gaining in depth knowledge of wider estate management to for long term placekeeping through management of the South of England portfolio team.
What challenges do you see impacting the development industry?
Business development opportunities are inherently linked to government policy/legislation and economics.The Trust has proved itself agile in responding to changing opportunities over its lifespan to deliver its charitable objectives and this agility is essential to future growth.
What’s one project you’re working on at the moment that you’re particularly proud or excited to be working on?
We have several exciting projects in the pipeline, but unfortunately, they’re not at a stage whereby we can openly share details. That said, one of the major benefits of being engaged in discussions about site stewardship earlier means we can help inform design decisions to ensure sustainable, long-term quality stewardship solutions.
What does a great workday look like to you?
Meeting with new clients, discussing their needs, identifying a solution and being able to provide one. I enjoy my level of involvement throughout the process of each site acquisition and development. Being able to show prospective clients sites which have been in our ownership for 5+ years which have sustained quality of landscaping from the day of transfer into management and providing real community benefit.
What has had the biggest influence on how you work today?
Past experiences of being involved with open space projects that were focused on the short term more so than focusing on the long term, it’s essential to consider the ability and capacity to maintain spaces in the future.
What motivates you when things get challenging?
Knowing that the outcome is securing land for long term community benefit, is incredibly rewarding Being able to show prospective clients sites which have been in our ownership for 5+ years which have sustained quality of landscaping from the day of transfer into management and providing real community benefit.
What advice would you give for anyone who is joining your field of work?
Be open minded about change. Be prepared but also be able to react to changes in legislation and new guidance. It’ll shape decisions, timelines and processes within land management solutions.
What does success look like in your role this year?
Whilst looking to acquire more sites across the Land Trust SANG and residential estate management portfolio, we’re also developing our BNG offer. This BNG activity will see a shift in our offer to prospective clients requiring off site units to enable us to provide solutions in a more agile way.
How do you enjoy spending your time outside of work?
I enjoy time with family and when the opportunity arises, running albeit much slower than I once was!
To learn more about the services that Chris and the Business Development Team offer, click here