Alan has worked in practical conservation for 25 years.  Having started at WWT Martin Mere in the early 1990ies, Alan joined English Nature, later setting up the first UK Biodiversity Programme. He provided operational leadership across SE England for many years; including the Thames Basin Heaths programme and designation of the South Downs National Park.  Alan overhauled Natural England’s systems for engaging with the planning system and delivering statutory advice. Subsequently he ran England’s marine designation programme, delivering the first tranche of Marine Conservation Zones. More recently, Alan has been the architect of NE’s conservation strategy, C21, which sets out ambitious plans to fundamentally change the way nature conservation is practised; working at a larger scale, securing lasting benefits, and putting people at the very heart of conservation.