Merrick Denton-Thompson is a Landscape Architect who has worked across all levels of the public sector, both in executive and non-executive positions. Specialising in Strategic and Local Planning, Urban Regeneration and Rural Land Management. He left Local Government to become a Board Member of Natural England. Recently he has been helping the UK Government in the drafting of the 25 Year Environment Plan and in the design of the Environmental Land Management system that will replace the Common Agricultural Policy in 2024.

He has extensive experience in the voluntary sector and was awarded an OBE for his services to education. He has an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Gloucestershire and is an Honorary Professor of the Chinese University of Technology.

Robert Deane is the Managing Director of Rural Focus Ltd, an environmental consultancy based in Devon UK.  His work specialises in the management of high value landscapes and the role that farming and land management takes in maintaining them.

Before establishing Rural Focus, he was Head of Landscape Planning and Management for LUC (Land Use Consultants), running their Bristol Office and managing a team of 18 landscape professionals. He has an agricultural background, with experience of the livestock, arable and horticultural sectors, and spent seven years as a Policy Adviser with the National Farmers’ Union.

Through a series of recent projects in England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, he has helped develop national practice on the concept of natural capital.  This work is demonstrating how valuing and prioritising environmental and cultural assets helps to deliver multifunctional landscapes that address the needs of society.

Sarah is Chief Executive of the Exmoor National Park Authority. She has worked on Exmoor for more than 25 years, since joining the organisation as a Conservation Officer (Landscape) in 1992. She has used her roles to engage with landowners and land managers, forging strong partnerships with external agencies and partners, and leading key conservation and landscape projects.

Sarah has a degree in Environmental Science from the University of East Anglia, a second degree in Landscape Design, from Manchester University and is a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute. She sits on Natural England’s Landscape Advisory Panel.

Margaret manages one of the largest designed enclosed historic landscapes in any European city i.e. the Phoenix Park. Her presentation will illustrate how good environmental stewardship supports over 12 million visitors annually, facilitating sustainable experiences with nature, biodiversity, built heritage, horticulture and arboriculture.

Margaret has worked in public park management for over 25 years and has qualifications in B. Ag.Sc ( Landscape Horticulture), Dip Mang & IR, Cert Safety, Health & Welfare at Work, MILI.