Skip to main content

Independent Chair Appointed

Written on . Posted in .

New Independent Chair for Landscape Partnership

LELP will deliver twenty-three individual projects to improve access, protect habitats and species and engage communities with the unique heritage of the Lough Erne Landscape. The scheme, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund will be delivered over a period of 5 years by a partnership of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Fermanagh Rural Community Network, Lough Erne Heritage, National Trust, RSPBNI, Waterways Ireland and Upper Lough Erne Region. As Chair, Richard will work on a voluntary basis with the partnership to facilitate the delivery of this landscape scheme, ensuring a long term legacy in Fermanagh.

Joanne Sherwood, Director of RSPB NI, the lead partner in the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership said “The Partnership is delighted that Richard has accepted the role of independent Chair following a competitive appointments process. This is an important milestone for the Partnership and we are looking forward to Richard bringing his expertise to the board as we deliver an ambitious programme of heritage projects to leave a lasting legacy in Fermanagh”

Richard brings a wealth of experience working at a senior level both locally in County Fermanagh and in a cross-border capacity. Richard has recently retired from his role as Manager of Marble Arch Global Geopark, where he was instrumental in leading the development of the first Global Geopark in the UK and Ireland. During his management Marble Arch Caves Geopark also became the first cross-border Geopark in the world. Richard now continues to work as an international Geopark Assessor and brings to the role a great knowledge and interest of the Lough Erne landscape.

Upon his appointment Richard explained:

“The Lough Erne Landscape Partnership is making a real difference in Fermanagh by supporting local communities and other organisations that promote the environment, history and culture of Lough Erne and its shores. I’m pleased to be able to play a part in contributing to the hard work being carried out by so many dedicated people and I will be very interested to see more of what they are doing.”

Paul Mullan, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund added “Landscape Partnerships can be complicated, challenging but amazing projects to manage as they involve a wide range of partners and sub-projects. In our experience a strong independent chair is essential to the success of the projects and we are delighted that Richard has been appointed to this role. We wish him and the partnership team every success as they roll out the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership.”