Tony succeeds Paul St Pierre who has been interim chair for the last 4 months.

Council of the Isles of Scilly Lead Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste, Cllr Harry Legg, said “I look forward to representing the Council on the AONB Partnership with Tony as the new chair, it is an exciting time for the future of the AONB.”

Tony’s long career in nature conservation encompassed a variety of roles with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, including six years as CEO based at WWT’s Slimbridge headquarters. Then, as Director for South West England, he was responsible for the RSPB’s work in the southwest, including the Seabird Recovery Project on the Isles of Scilly, where he had first visited in 1993. 

In recent years he has been a Trustee of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust and Chair of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. Tony is now based in London and is a frequent visitor to the West Country and the Isles of Scilly.

Tony said, “It is an honour to be taking on the role of Chair of the Isles of Scilly AONB Partnership. I have had a deep interest in the natural world since childhood and like nothing better than sharing my passion for nature with others.  My role model as a child was one of the founders of modern conservation, Sir Peter Scott, who was to become my first boss.”

“The Isles of Scilly AONB is unique insofar as the entire archipelago is contained within the AONB designated boundary. The AONB Partnership can therefore be quite clear on where to focus its efforts and support”

“It is an important time for Protected Landscapes in the country as we know they can be even better for nature and biodiversity. The Isles of Scilly AONB may be the smallest but can continue to showcase how biodiversity, cultural heritage and natural beauty can flourish alongside the people who live and visit this special place”

“I very much look forward to working with the Partners and stakeholders in championing the Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”