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New Director Appointed to Accelerate Nature Restoration in South Down National Park

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

James Winkworth, with two decades of experience in commercial, fundraising, and communications sectors, has been appointed as the new director of business development and growth at the South Downs National Park Authority. As the park navigates a 40% reduction in core budgets over the past decade, James aims to diversify the National Park's income base, blending public, private, and philanthropic revenue streams. He previously led the National Park's official charity, the South Downs National Trust, growing it from zero to a £2 million organization and one of the UK's biggest national park-based charities.

Key Takeaways:

  • James Winkworth, a seasoned professional with 20 years of experience, has been appointed as the new director of business development and growth at the South Downs National Park Authority.
  • Winkworth aims to diversify the National Park's income base, incorporating public, private, and philanthropic revenue streams to increase resilience and strengthen impact.
  • Under his previous leadership, the South Downs National Trust charity grew from zero to £2 million, enabling tens of thousands of schoolchildren to connect with the national park and facilitating over 70,000 new trees and 160 football pitches' worth of new wildflower meadows.
  • Winkworth has a lifelong love of wildlife and walking, and has lived his entire life on the edge of the National Park in Aldershot.
  • He aims to deliver innovative business partnerships that positively impact nature restoration, including restoring wetlands and creating new woodlands.
  • Winkworth is committed to inclusive growth, ensuring the National Park serves a wide cross-section of society and has a profound impact on young people.
  • Vanessa Rowlaands, chair of the National Park Authority, praises Winkworth's contacts, networking, and energy, as well as his creative vision and acumen for innovation.

Statistics:

  • The South Downs National Park Authority has seen a 40% reduction in core budgets over the past decade.
  • The South Downs National Trust charity has grown from zero to £2 million under James Winkworth's leadership.
  • Over 70,000 new trees have been planted and 160 football pitches' worth of new wildflower meadows have been created as a result of the charity's initiatives.
  • Winkworth has 20 years of experience in commercial, fundraising, and communications sectors.

Sources:

  • "Hampshire County Council to confirm appointment of new chief executive" - [Farnham Herald](https://www.farnhamherald.com/news/hampshire-county-council-to-confirm-appointment-of-new-chief-executive-807914)
  • "WATCH: Young person's mental health charity Headroom opens Farnham HQ" - [Farnham Herald](https://www.farnhamherald.com/news/watch-young-persons-mental-health-charity-headroom-opens-farnham-hq-807900)
  • "MPs unite to oppose McDonald's next to nature reserve" - [Farnham Herald](https://www.farnhamherald.com/news/mps-unite-to-oppose-mcdonalds-next-to-tices-meadow-nature-reserve-807097)
  • "Fatal Alton house fire: Aldershot man arrested on suspicion of arson and murder" - [Farnham Herald](https://www.farnhamherald.com/news/fatal-alton-house-fire-aldershot-man-arrested-on-suspicion-of-arson-and-murder-804504)

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