Reserve Manager

It is a great pleasure to introduce you to our new Reserve Manager - Bob Black.  Bob's official start date is 10th November, and I am sure everyone associated with the Reserve will offer him a BIG Foxglove warm welcome as he settles into his new role and gets to meet everyone who makes Foxglove the special place that it is.  Bob is excited to be joining us, and we look forward to the insights he will bring in continuing to develop the natural habitats and visitor experience at the Reserve.

I must also offer our thanks to El for holding the fort whilst the post has been vacant.  A tremendous job well done.  Thank you.

Peter, Chairman of the Trustees and on behalf of Nicola, Tony and John.

Robert Black: About Me.

From a farming family in County Durham, and now living here in North Yorkshire with my amazing wife, Dawn, I have always had a passion for the wonderful hill and upland landscape we call home. As a Hill Shepherd & Stockman I always took a very proactive interest in our unique upland countryside, its wildlife, its conservation and its rich history, culture, and heritage.

Throughout my Shepherding career (which took me from the hills of Durham and Northumberland to the West Highlands of Scotland and back again!), I always championed low input, ethically sensitive livestock management practices that supported and improved wildlife habitat, and promoted biodiversity. Seeing nature thrive wherever I worked, and the years spent volunteering with Northumberland Wildlife Trust, inspired me to take a huge leap and change the direction of my career for good. So strong was my desire to give something back to the landscape and the natural world which had given me my way of life, at the age of 53, I began studying for a degree in Countryside Management at Newcastle University. I graduated in 2022, and have since been privileged enough to have enjoyed the role of Conservation Grazing Officer with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and as a Farming Conservation Officer in the North Pennines National Landscape. I was also lucky enough to have been a part of the “Restoring Ratty” team, volunteering with Northumberland Wildlife Trust to successfully reintroduce over 2000 water voles into Kielder Water Forest Park.

It has been an amazing journey, and I feel so privileged, proud, and absolutely delighted to have found my “Forever Home” here, at  Foxglove Covert LNR. Together we can achieve great things for nature. I am so looking forward to this most exciting next chapter of my story.

Robert Black