BACKGROUND INFORMATION

TORBAYCOAST AND COUNTRYSIDE TRUST

Charitable objects

TorbayCoast and Countryside Trust is a registered charity formed in 1999 to

“promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical, natural and built environment and heritage of Torbay and surrounding area”.

Additional objects are to “provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation” and environmental education.

The Trust’s Mission Statement is:

to protect land, conserve nature and strengthen the bonds

between people and the natural world of Torbay.

Land management

The Trust was originally formed by Torbay Council and, under a 60-year lease, cares for over 1700 acres of coast and countryside land owned by the Council. This land includes a National Nature Reserve and ScheduledAncientMonument, a major CountryPark, 5 other Sites of Special Scientific Interest and some of Torbay’s most important countryside and heritage sites. The Trust also owns the freehold of some 25 properties in the village of Cockington.

Directors

There are currently ten Directors (charity Trustees):

  • The Chairman of Trustees, Nick Powe,is the owner and manager of Kents Cavern, an important heritage and tourist site, and one of the Geopark Gateway sites for Torbay.
  • Nigel WollenD.L., of Torquay solicitors Hooper and Wollen, has considerable experience in property and Trust law. He assisted Devon Rural Skills Trust during its tenure of Cockington Court and has helped form the TorbayCoast and Countryside Trust and register it as a charity.
  • Richard Hussey is a chartered accountant and partner in Francis Clark, a leading regional firm of chartered accountants.
  • Nick Woolley F.R.I.C.S., F.A.A.V., F.R.S.A., a former Trustee of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and Council Member of English Nature, has a long association with Torbay through his work with Prudential in Cockington. Business interests include fund asset management for city institutions and sustainable planning and development.
  • Tina Crowson isChief Reporter on the local newspaper, the Herald Express, and is alocal campaigner for conservation.
  • Roy Pike B.A.Hons.Lond.,B.Ed.Exon, F.R.S.A., is Headteacher of Torquay Boys' Grammar School and is keen to bring the remarkable nature and beauty of our local environment to young people both within and beyond the bay.
  • Peter Redstoneis the founder of Rocombe Farm Organic Ice Cream and the Barefoot Partnership and is a strong advocate of organic food and farming.
  • Andra Johnston is a former social worker and is now self employed providing services to government departments, local authorities, charities and businesses.
  • David Appleton CEnv, IEEM, is an Officer of Natural England responsible for South Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and the Culm.
  • Robyn Brown is Property Manager for the National Trust for the English Riviera property portfolio including Greenway House and Coleton Fishacre.
  • Torbay Council also has a nominated place on the Board and this is currently taken by Cllr. Jeanette Richards,Executive Lead for Tourism and Environment.