The A Rocha UK Team

Steve Hughes - CEO

I joined A Rocha in May 2006. I worked internationally as an HR executive for Shell before leaving to study at the London School of Theology in 2005, and then came to A Rocha. I am married to Jean and have two adult children and two grandchildren. I am a keen bird-ringer and first encountered A Rocha in 1984 when Peter Harris was looking for help in bird-ringing in Portugal. When I’m not working for A Rocha I support Everton, play occasional golf. I am part of the leadership team of the local Baptist church.

Helen Demopoulos - A Rocha Living Waterways Director

I have been interested in nature and wildlife, particularly birds, from an early age.  I studied biology, and then did an environmental sciences masters at London University, and worked in the field of ecology for a number of years. I became involved with A Rocha after attending an A Rocha conference in Seaford in February 2006.  I was keen to work in the Middle-East, and so I contacted A Rocha Lebanon, and worked for them for 15 months.  I then started work with A Rocha UK in January 2009. 

Andy Evans - Community Director

After twenty years in the financial sector of the City of London, I decided to quit my career to pursue my interest in environmental issues. I discovered A Rocha shortly afterwards through reading Dave Bookless' book Planetwise, and both my wife, Jane, and I became very excited to learn of a Christian movement committed to transforming people and places. Excited by the possibility of connecting my faith with a love of the natural world, I was keen to get involved. I am therefore delighted to have now joined the team, focusing on how we can engage local communities with A Rocha UK's exciting vision. Jane and I, together with our six children, have re-settled in Herefordshire and are becoming actively involved in our local baptist church.

Mairi Johnstone - Finance and Administration Director

As someone who greatly values the natural world, I am delighted to be a part of the team in my role as Finance and Admin Director. I bring to the job, my legal and business development and finance skills. I am married with three children (and two cats!) and enjoy the arts, gardening and reading as widely as possible. I am also an Anglican Reader.

Nigel Hopper -

David Hughes - Churches Director

My early career spanned geology, the army, the nuclear industry and the aerospace industry, and I was never far from environmental controversy. When I finally found my vocation, it was a relief to work in environmentally sound organisations. I kept coming across A Rocha in different parts of Europe and was recruited to set up A Rocha’s international climate change initiative – Climate Stewards.

I now enjoy working in the broader environmental arena represented by Ecocongregations. I live in an incredibly well insulated flat in an old mill in the Peak District near Sheffield with my wife. My environmental credentials are greatly enhanced by my daughter Claire who works as a wind energy consultant in Newcastle. Bird watching and mountaineering keep me entertained when I’m not campaigning.

Andy Lester - A Rocha UK Conservation Director

I look after the management of our UK conservation projects. I also research new potential projects and partnerships as well as providing a steer for our scientific policy. I am married with 4 children, live in Southampton and first became involved in A Rocha in the late 1980's as a volunteer at Cruzinha, Portugal. My interests (other than my family!) include bird recording, moth trapping, kick boxing, body surfing and flute playing.

Daren Allder - A Rocha UK Webmaster

In my part-time role, I develop A Rocha websites and train staff in directly contributing to them – so that the right information is available to visitors. My background is in programming, marketing and technical literature and website management for international companies. In 2003, I became self-employed while studying theology, music and worship at the London School of Theology (LST). I now work as a worship minister in an Anglican church with my wife Helen, exercising our musical and leading gifts. I met A Rocha’s Steve Hughes at LST and, when a new webmaster was needed for A Rocha UK, I was an obvious candidate.

Peter Askew -

Keir Aubrey - P R Manager

I have always had a keen interest in nature photography and I first heard about A Rocha when attending a photography holiday at Les Tourades in France.

I worked for many years in the City in marketing and public relations, but always felt I wanted to work for a cause that helps support the environment. When the opportunity arose to be the PR Manager for A Rocha UK, I jumped at the chance.

In my spare time I play tennis, enjoy photography and creative writing.

Ken Austin - Secretary to the Board

I am a retired (almost!) computer consultant, worshipping at Grace Baptist Church in Chesham, Buckinghamshire.  I am involved in local environmental initiatives such as producing a set of walking leaflets, helping to restore the local river, and setting up a wildflower project in the cemetery. I became part of the A Rocha family after hearing Dave Bookless and Colin Conroy talk about the initial plans for the Minet site. With my wife, Ann, I have visited, or volunteered at, A Rocha centres in Portugal, France and Kenya. I act as secretary to the Board of A Rocha UK. 

Chris Baillie -

David Beattie - Regional Coordinator, North West

I first got interested in environmental activity after reading Francis Schaeffer many years ago. I have been volunteering for the RSPB and Lancashire Wildlife Trust, and leading a Watch/Wildlife Explorers group for several years. I am also part of the environmental education team for our local country park. I first got the A Rocha bug after visiting Bardsey in 2007 with Steve Hughes (beware Evertonians bearing gifts!). After helping with the stand at New Wine, once with Steve and once with Norman Crowson, I have since joined the A Rocha team.

Kathryn Bedford - Conservation Researcher

I’m from Taunton in Somerset and joined the A Rocha UK team in October 2011 as the new Conservation Intern after finishing my degree in Applied Animal Management. I’ve always been keen about the environment and British wildlife and saw this internship as a great way of gaining valuable experience. I’m also really interested in music, dance and a bit of photography here and there.

Marie Birkinshaw - Magazine Team

I spent my teens in the Lincolnshire Fens and enjoyed learning about farming and country life there. I now live in Loughborough with my husband, daughter and son. I love birds and alpine flowers – and like many A Rocha friends, I find there is so much to enjoy in God’s wonderful creation! I found out about A Rocha in the early days of the UK project through Dave Bookless’s parents, Rosemary and Guy, who attended our church. I admire the organisation’s values and commitments. I have recently joined the magazine’s editorial team.

Elaine Brown - Regional Team Member

Simon Brown - Churches’ Coordinator

Having always been a Christian and interested in conservation, a friend asked why I was not a member of A Rocha?  The simple answer was that I had never heard of it!  Now that I have I am part of the A Rocha team with responsibility for developing our relationship with the growing number of churches interested in our work. I also help the team at Southall doing a variety of things.

Emma Bush

Donald Cameron - Event Communications Manager

I first caught the ornithology bug after visiting Kenya Game Parks while a CMS volunteer. On return to the UK after 7 years teaching Physics in Kenya, I started to attend St. Mary’s Church in Upton where one Peter Harris was the curate! As a member and then leader of our World Church group, I  have been involved supporting the Harris family in Portugal and then further afield as the A Rocha concept took off World Wide. I have now retired from teaching and am involved in helping A Rocha UK publicise forthcoming events on the web.

Sally Clifton - Conservation Adviser, South-East

I was brought up among the chalk streams of Hampshire. My passion for nature (freshwater habitats in particular) steered me through BA in Biological Sciences and M Sc in Ecology. I taught environmental subjects in further & higher education then spent 15 years as an environmental consultant with large companies before becoming an independent consultant 7 years ago.

I got involved with A Rocha last year through undertaking an invertebrate survey of a delightful chalk stream on the Steyning Downland Scheme. I really enjoy helping people discover the wonder of God’s creation, and long for a time when ‘the media’ portrayal of the wonders of nature also gives people a glimpse of its Maker.

Other interests include our Churchyard Management Plan at St Thomas’ church, Framfield, and playing the concertina.

Andrew Cole - A Rocha - St Madoc Intern

I first heard of A Rocha when I was deciding what to do after studying at Sheffield University. I was immediately excited about the work of A Rocha and was keen to be involved. After graduating I spent an amazing 10 months at Cruzinha (A Rocha Portugal) through the European Voluntary Service. Since April 2011 I have been at the St Madoc Centre helping with the species surveys, site management and school group activities. I am lucky enough to live on site giving me the chance to live on the beautiful Gower peninsula.

Petra Crofton - Area Rep, Gloucestershire

I regularly organise an event for A Rocha Friends in the area and keep people updated through a quarterly e-mail. I also translate the monthly web e-news into Dutch and help the Southall team with the recruitment of young, long-term volunteers from within Europe. I trained as a biologist and did a project on Kentish Plovers with A Rocha Portugal, where I met my (English) husband, Rob. After having spent some years with A Rocha France, we now live in the UK. Looking after our three young children keeps me busy, but during my spare time I enjoy helping out with A Rocha things.

Norman Crowson - Regional Coordinator, East Midland

I was introduced to A Rocha by my oldest son.  I am leader of the Lea Brook Valley project which is an A Rocha affiliated project. I have been a birdwatcher for around 62 years and a long time member of the RSPB. I am now the publicity Officer for their Chesterfield group, and their local speaker. I am an active wildlife photographer and my photographs form a basis for my talks and support the work of A Rocha.

David Curry - Regional Co-ordinator, East of England

I was introduced to “nature study” at an early age in Primary School. Living in Plymouth, Devon I was surrounded by beautiful countryside – the sea to the south, Dartmoor to the north and wooded river valleys in between. When I finished school I was appointed Keeper of Natural History at the Plymouth Museum. Part of my work involved managing one of the country’s first countryside centres on the River Tamar Estuary, where I developed my skills and knowledge. After moving to St Albans Museums, I was introduced to A Rocha through Peter Harris on a cold wet day at some gravel pits near Reading. My passion today is raising awareness about traditional orchards and English fruit varieties.

Victoria Deschampsneufs - Regional Coordinator, Scotland

I discovered A Rocha a couple of years ago at an Eco-Congregation network meeting. It has had a dramatic effect on my life as my work has changed from being a full time nurse to working part-time as A Rocha's Scottish Regional Co-ordinator. My environmental awareness stems from having grown up on a family farm in rural Perthshire  and having studied geography at university. Working for A Rocha has given me the opportunity to combine my Christian faith with my concern for the environment and has encouraged me to learn more about our amazing natural world.

Sara Estifanos - Finance Office

(Covering Tessa Wilson's maternity leave)

I work alongside the accountant and a small select team of volunteers to ensure all donations received are designated to the correct place.

Beverly Evans - Marketing Manager

I live in a small village in Purbeck, Dorset with my husband Richard & my daughter Arianne. Moving to Purbeck from my native London over eight years ago was a real culture shock and  I felt as if I was living on the set of Vicar Of Dibley for the first year! But I embraced it wholeheartedly, and now spin my own wool from local sheep and run a weekly wool craft workshop! I heard about A Rocha, from my then vicar, John Townsend, & who'd have known where that conversation would lead me! I work one day a week as marketing manager and hope I will be able to help spread news of A Rocha throughout the Christian community.

Nick Fenby - Photo Librarian

John Goldring - E-news Manager

I grew up in a Christian home and made a more personal commitment when I was a student. I've been concerned about justice issues like fair trade for a long time which led me to take a greater interest in climate change and other environmental concerns. I wanted to know what the Bible said about these, so was delighted to discover A Rocha at a Lee Abbey conference in 2007. I am married; my wife is training for ordination in the Church of England. I have two children, both students. I am also a lifelong cyclist and have recently become a ranger on the national cycle network.

Richard John Hall - Conservation Adviser, North West

Jo Hayter - Conservation Research

My love for photography, wildlife and being outside led me to do my degree in Marine and Natural History Photography at University College Falmouth, where I graduated from in summer 2010. I only recently found out about A Rocha and I now work for the organisation as a Conservation Research Intern. I also volunteer in a local primary school and work as supply staff for a nursery. Along with photography, in my spare time I enjoy catching up with friends and family and various crafts. My hope is to continue my studies in September 2011

Alison Holland -

Glenys Hulme - National Education Coordinator

Since I was a child I have been very interested in the natural world. I taught Geography in London secondary schools for 36 years and was particularly passionate about fieldwork. When I took early retirement I was keen to continue working with the environment.  During a sabbatical term in 2006 I volunteered with A Rocha projects in Portugal and France and thoroughly enjoyed the experiences. After talking with Dave Bookless about volunteer opportunities I started work as the National Education Coordinator in January 2011. I look forward to be hands on with the Living Waterways project.

Margaret Keen -

Kailean Khongsai - Faith-based Communities Officer

I was born and brought up in a Christian family in Manipur, India. Ever since I was young I have been in awe of God's wonderful creation. This passion lead me to study environmental science and work for creation care. I hold a masters degree in ecology and environment and also have another masters degree in waste management from Glasgow Caledonian University. I first heard about A Rocha from a friend in Glasgow. I was involved in some environmental projects for the church in Glasgow after I graduated. God has given me and my wife (Kim) an opportunity to become Church Mission Society partners (CMS) and work for A Rocha. My interests include playing table tennis, badminton and other outdoor sports.

Julia Major - EVS Volunteer

Maria Masih - Office Manager

Richard Hall (Chairman of A Rocha UK and a member of my church) and my priest at the time, told me there was an opportunity to work for A Rocha. I thought I’d apply and see what happens. Much to my surprise I was offered the job! I have now been in post for over 5 years. One of the many highlights of working here so far, was having the opportunity to visit A Rocha Canada. I have also enjoyed training and taking on a new role of 'Southall Volunteer Manager'. I have lived and worked in Southall for most of my life, but seeing it through the eyes of A Rocha has given me a new appreciation for it. I love to spend my free time with family and friends, shopping and going on holidays.

David Melville - Education Officer, A Rocha Living Waterways

For as long as I remember I have been interested in the natural world and enjoy sharing this with children and young people. For the past 15 years I have been teaching mostly in a good secondary, but have recently diversified into primary schools. I helped to found and have been Assistant Leader of the RSPB’s Wildlife Explorers Group in Brighton and Hove. I have a 21 year old daughter called Emma, who keeps me busy.  When time permits I also do bird atlas surveys through the BTO and my favourite pasttimes are gospel singing at Southover Church, Lewes and modern jive!

David and Jean Morgan - Area Reps, Dorset & West Hampshire

We live in Wimborne, Dorset, and are area reps and leaders of our local community group (East Dorset). Jean is also on the A Rocha magazine editorial team. We've been supporters for about 18 years, having caught the enthusiasm of some friends who'd visited Cruzinha, and then discovering that A Rocha ticked all our boxes on conservation, Christian belief and lifestyle, and community. We've since visited Cruzinha and Les Tourades ourselves. David is a management consultant and Jean has worked in publishing and education. We enjoy walking, sailing, cycling, music, the theatre and su doku! Our two daughters live and work in London.

Reudi Nager - Conservation Adviser, Scotland

I obtained a PhD on the breeding strategies of Great Tits from the University of Basel (Switzerland). I then spent my earlier post-doctoral years studying incubation behaviour of Starlings at the University of Groningen, studying physiological adaptations of blue tits to breeding in the Mediterranean (CNRS Montpellier) and demographic aspects of the Greater Flamingo (Tour du Valat, Camargue). In 1996, I joined the University of Glasgow, first as a post-doctoral research assistant working on the cost of egg production in the Lesser Black-backed Gull and then appointed a lecturer in 1999. My main research interests are life histories of birds and conflicts between the parents and between the offspring in avian families. Throughout my work I try to apply my ecological knowledge to conservation problems.

Kim Nianglian - Centre Manager

I am from Manipur in India. I have completed my bachelor degrees in bio-science (Bsc) and education (B.Ed). I worked as a primary school teacher in Manipur and was a Sunday school teacher in our local Presbyterian church. I first heard about A Rocha from my husband (Kailean). I enjoy being within a Christian organisation and feel extremely privileged to be a Church Mission Society (CMS) partner. I work for A Rocha UK as the Centre Manager and when I am able to, I assist the Living Waterways Education team.  My hobbies are surfing the internet, cooking, playing with children and listening to music.

Lisa Ostenson - National Fundraiser

I was born on a farm in the rural United States, but found my way to Scotland to complete a Masters in Wildlife Biology and Conservation. After graduating I had the opportunity to volunteer with different conservation organisations in Bolivia, New Zealand, and Australia, but when I returned to Edinburgh I knew I was home.

I've known about A Rocha for a few years but only really got involved when I met Victoria (Deschampneufs) and Andy (Lester) at the Scottish Regional Conference and the A Rocha holiday week away in the Cairngorms. I've always had a love for the outdoors and wildlife, and I'm really looking forward to the chance to combine this with my faith and adoration in our Creator by working for A Rocha.

Holly Peterson - Conservation Policy Officer

I have always been really passionate about sustainability and the effects of our actions on the wider world. Studying a very broad and varied Biology degree at Bath University allowed me to explore environmental issues from many different perspectives.

I joined A Rocha UK in November 2011, seeing it as a perfect way to join my Christian faith with my passion for the environment.  I like to keep busy with many different hobbies. I love dancing, painting, writing and spending time with my friends and family –especially the cutest niece and nephew the world ever produced!

Chris Redstall - Regional Conservation Adviser, Midlands

My parents and my Dad’s set of binoculars first inspired me to appreciate and watch wildlife as a young boy - I have fond memories of watching Dippers in a Pennine stream! This year, following 6 years in teaching, I gained an MSc in Conservation Ecology and now split my time between a conservation project in Warwickshire and A Rocha. My hobbies range from surfing to Ceroc!

Cat Shannon - Conservation Events Coordinator

My name is Caitriona, but everybody calls me Cat. I am originally from Nottingham, and have moved to Bournemouth to study BSc Hons Ecology and Wildlife Conservation for 3 years and I am enjoying the sun and the beach. I have known about A Rocha since I was about 12 and have always wanted to work in research for them. I love going on difficult walks in the country side, and especially love camping. In future I would love to study African wildlife, especially big cats (however I am slightly obsessed with Leopards!) I will be working with A Rocha for the next 2 years whilst studying.

Robert Sluka - Conservation Champion, Chiltern Gateway Project

I was trained as a marine biologist and most of my research has been in the area of marine conservation. Living in the Chiltern Hills and my desire to get my hands dirty locally led me to the project. I have been challenged through A Rocha to more fully integrate science, faith, conservation, and sustainable living. Currently,  I help with Creation care church services, organising local events and studying the juniper population at the Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve. I spend most of my free time with my wife and four children enjoying the countryside

Marian Smith - Conservation Officer

I live in Sheffield where I went to uni and studied Ecology. Since graduating in

2006 I have been working as technician on a freshwater ecology project, as well as being involved with my church, St Tom's.

I contacted A Rocha after reading Planetwise. I will be joining the Dronfield team to survey the stream and wetland areas of the Lea Brook Valley and develop a management strategy. Aside from paddling in rivers, I love walking, singing and growing things.

Bertie Stirling - Regional Coordinator, Northern Ireland

I have been interested in nature and wildlife, from an early age. I studied Zoology, at Queen’s University Belfast. I worked as a youth leader for a year and then qualified as a teacher and worked in an inner city school for five years.I have a grown up family of three. I first became involved with A Rocha in 2004 when I visited Cruzinha while on holiday.After a few visits to Cruzhina I started to explore A Rocha UK and became involved after a Northern Ireland Conference in November 2010.

Peter Sturgess - Conservation Adviser, Wales

I’ve loved plants and animals for as long as I can remember, and have been involved with A Rocha since my PhD studies in 1989.   I work as a self-employed ecological consultant.  I’m married to Anita, who I met at Cruzinha (A Rocha Portugal).  We live in Cardiff with our 2 children, and attend Highfields Church.

Ian Swaffield - Chiltern Gateway Project Manager

Laura Sweeting - Churchyard Conservation Advisor

I joined the team in 2011 and am involved in supporting churches through EcoCongregation - particularly in the area of improving their grounds and outdoor space for sustainability, wildlife and general eco-friendliness.    I'm a primary school teacher by trade, but currently working full-time as an Outdoor Education Officer for an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - I'm never far from a pair of wellies and I love that teaching kids about this beautiful world is part of my job.  I train teachers to use their local landscape as part of their classroom teaching and encourage all of them to use their surroundings for the fantastic teaching resource that it is!

Rob Thomas - IT & Database Coordinator and Friends Coordinator

I am a keen photographer and have developed a love of the world God created when trying to capture its variety and beauty in photographs. I caught the vision of working for A Rocha through hearing Peter Harris preach, and then by taking part in a photographic holiday run by A Rocha France at Les Tourades. My wife Kathy and I were the first managers of the A Rocha UK centre in Southall, which we set up, and where we lived and worked from 2003 to 2006.  As well as working for A Rocha UK, I am also part of the A Rocha International Team.

John Townsend - Speakers' Coordinator

I became a Christian through the ministry of the American evangelist Billy Graham.  I studied industrial chemistry and then went to theological college to train for the Anglican ministry.  I have since had 3 parishes in different parts of London. I have always been interested in the world of nature around us. I had a sabbatical in 1998 and spent some time with A Rocha in Scotland, Portugal and France. Since retirement 3 years ago I joined the A Rocha team.  I am a trained speaker for A Rocha and encourage churches to see that God has given us great responsibilities towards his creation.  All requests for a speaker come through me and I connect churches and Individuals to a local speaker.

Ruth Valerio - Living Lightly Manager

I believe passionately that looking after God's world is a central part of what it means to follow Jesus and try my hardest to put that belief into practice. So, I have an allotment with friends, run a pig co-operative and a food co-operative and am involved with Transition Chichester. I also chair the community association for the estate that we live on. I first became involved with A Rocha through co-leading a seminar on creation care with Dave Bookless many years ago. Since then I unofficially did various things with him and A Rocha until finally starting to work for Living Lightly at the start of 2008.

Ruth Angela Van Gough -

"I was an adoptee from the Vietnam War  through christian led Project Vietnam Orphan in 1972.  The earlier part of my childhood was spent near Chester surrounded by beautiful countryside and fields.  Having been encouraged to visit heritage and National Trust sites as a child my decided career was to become a gardener at 10 yrs old which naturally continued for 20 yrs.   I am strongly influenced by my christian upbringing and find peace in working with the environment and have found it deeply gratifying.     Despite a non academic background re - educating myself has provided the opportunity undergo teaching qualifications in the lifelong sector.  I am pray full that I will gain invaluable  experience working for the Steyning Downland Scheme with its young people and their community before choosing to embark on a MSc at Writtle College, Chelmsford.  I look forward with enjoyment at working here in Steyning".

Bryony Webb - Steyning Downland Scheme Project Manager

My first contact with A Rocha was rowing and sailing around the Canadian Gulf islands and camping under the stars there. My contact with A Rocha UK led me to becoming the Steyning Downland Scheme Project Manager - an A Rocha associated project. So, having spent 12 years living in Cambridge, delivering advice services for young people, and more recently being a CEO of a children’s charity in Kent, I’m now in the beautiful South Downs. Outside of work, I play orchestral percussion, (which is good for the soul!), dance, sew, act, garden, walk, cycle, and play games that make me laugh, and I’ve recently become an author!

Tessa Wilson - Finance Officer

(On maternity leave from 01/03/11onwards).

I was first introduced to A Rocha by Dave Bookless and family and joined the team over 6 years ago. Since working for A Rocha UK I have experienced a number of changes in my role and seen many others. I now work alongside the accountant and a small select team of volunteers to ensure all donations received are designated to the correct place.

Margaret Young - National Team Coordinator

After spending much of my adult life as a mum (with two children) and part-time town planner (with a background in geography) I'm now looking forward to the opportunities of the 'third age'! I hope this will include more time for walking, cycling and being outdoors, together with some creative activities and new hobbies. I've known of A Rocha since the 1980s through BCMS, then through friends and more recently as our daughter Sarah was a volunteer in Southall, Portugal and Kenya.