Our Team

Rich Stockdale

Founder & Managing Director

Rich is an innovative leader and environmentalist committed to Scaling Conservation.

Rich combines a PhD in big data with senior level public and private sector leadership experience to continuously challenge what’s possible to benefit people, wildlife, and the environment.

His disregard for the status quo has seen him become one of the most influential people working in the environmental sector, successfully mobilising significant investment into land acquisition, protecting, and restoring the environment and in the process growing natural capital.

His focus on partners and unique collaborations has seen him step firmly onto the national stage, winning numerous awards and championing the circular economy at a landscape level through acquisition of land for conservation, the restoration of natural processes, regenerative agriculture, and renewable energy.

Eleanor Adams

Finance Director

Elly is an established financial leader, board member and strategic business partner. With 20 years experience in private equity corporate finance at PwC and 6 years at Oxygen House Group Elly brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Skilled in managing multiple strategies and distilling complex financial information into clear and relevant insights. Elly is purpose driven and forward thinking, with capacity for continuous learning and development. Outside of the office Elly finds pleasure in reading, cooking and time outdoors with her family.

Dan Johnson

Head of Environment

Dan is a fisheries ecologist by qualification and brings over 20 years’ experience, working across the public and private sector, delivering environmental restoration and habitat improvement projects without compromise and to the absolute betterment of the natural environment. Dan believes in working in partnership by default and has an excellent track record of securing significant funding and working collaboratively at the catchment scale.

Having led many ecological survey teams across the country, Dan brings unparalleled experience from the world of riverine monitoring and habitat impact assessments.

Equally happy surveying for lamprey ammocoetes on a small Welsh river as he is preparing an assessment of the environmental opportunity on a large estate in Dartmoor, Dan leads on our collaborative working with the right partners in the right places.

Katie Chichester

Team Manager

Katie comes to Oxygen Conservation with a hugely varied background gathered from around the world, including Estate management, superyacht crewing, event planning and the odd ski season thrown in for some fun! She excels at creating order and structure, fashioning effective systems that are the backbone of Oxygen Conservation’s work.

Katie brings endless enthusiasm alongside a keen eye for detail. With a drive and passion to make real change, Katie builds relationships with individuals, partners and communities throughout the portfolio. Much of her time is spent managing the sites and estates, as well as assisting in the creation of a vision for each of our very special sites.

She also quite likes a glass of wine (or two) and stealing other people’s pudding.

Chris White

Director of Natural Capital

Chris is a multi-award winning Environmental Economist that wants to change the world. Chris is passionate about tackling the climate and biodiversity crises, and creating a new financial system built on the recognition that the natural world is the most valuable asset we have.

Chris has over a decade of experience leading complex, high-profile projects in the natural capital, rewilding and green finance sectors: from developing a new investment model to re-direct how billions of pounds are invested in the UK water sector, to setting up a cloud forest finance project in Kenya, and creating the world’s first Natural Capital Laboratory.

Chris has edited several books, published academic papers, won ten industry awards, and presented his work at venues such as the Royal Society, NASA, Royal Geographical Society, Inter-American Development Bank, and the World Forum on Natural Capital. Chris is also a Founder and Trustee of pioneering rewilding charity The Lifescape Project.

Lara Salam

Spatial Data Expert

Lara is our GIS Data and Visualisation Expert. With four years of experience in the geospatial sector, Lara has worked with a variety of businesses in the public and private sector to help them get the most out of their geographic data.

From managing complex datasets to producing thought-provoking maps and visualisations, she brings a problem-solving mindset to the work she does. Lara combines her love for maps and the outdoors by using her GIS skills to help us better understand our sites and the landscapes they contain.

Dave Keir

Head of Operations

Dave combines an engineering background with strong operational management experience. Bringing expertise honed through working at high levels within heavy industry around the world from maintaining ageing nuclear power stations, building new iron ore processing plants in the Australian outback, to complex automation systems in airports and supplying off grid energy solutions.

With a passion for development and a drive to change the world for the better, Dave is now applying his skillset to improving the environment around him for future generations. Finding a true enjoyment in designing the most effective strategies to ensure the greatest impact possible.

Dave is in the process of accelerating our site works to deliver on our goal of Scaling Conservation and was most recently voted 6th most influential person in his household, narrowly beaten by his wife, two children and cats.

Fiona Milden

Planning & Property Director

Fiona is a chartered town planner, with a 15 year track record of working with communities to deliver development of all types. For the last 10 years Fiona has specialised in the promotion of strategic land assets in partnership with landowners: bringing forward deliverable sites for large scale residential and mixed-use allocation.

Andrew Dewar

Head of People

Elly Steers

Head of Story Telling

As our Marketing Manager, Elly is passionate about sharing the inspiring stories of Oxygen Conservation with the world. With a keen eye for creativity, Elly brings our mission to life in unique and engaging ways.

When she’s not in the office, Elly enjoys tending to her small vegetable patch (enjoyed more during dry and sunny weather) and exploring nature through long hikes. Her love for the outdoors and connection to the natural world fuels her passion for driving change through Scaling Conservation.

With boundless energy and enthusiasm, Elly is dedicated to creating meaningful impact through our marketing efforts. By telling the stories of our work and sharing our mission with the world, we hope to inspire others to join us in our commitment to preserving the environment for future generations.

Elly loves to take road trips with the team – but do not ask her to share a bag of Percy Pigs.

George Pawley

Head of Legal

George is our Head of Legal and has been working with the Oxygen Conservation team from its inception. He has over 10 years’ experience working as a solicitor in private practice and in-house teams, advising on a wide range of legal and commercial risks and opportunities. George utilises his wide range of expert skills to help us deliver our innovative and impactful conservation projects and partnerships.

Abbey Dudas

Engagement Specialist

Abbey joins Oxygen Conservation with a history of communication work and an environmental psychology background. Previously working for a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in Canada as well as a science-based YouTube channel, she brings both a love of the environment and a passion for science education. Recently completing her Master of Science from the University of Surrey studying the mental and physical health benefits of spending time in biodiverse nature, Abbey brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as engagement specialist. 

Esme Evans

Ecologist

Esme joined Oxygen Conservation with a background in ecology and marine biology where she excelled in habitat restoration projects and problem solving. She also helped to find and discover a new specie of Madagascan Spider!

As our ecologist Esme will be helping OC fight biodiversity loss by prioritising conservation, advocating for the restoration of the natural environment. Esme will to design environmental management strategies at scale to bring about a positive environmental impact at each of our sites. I see environmental success in every tree planted, hedgerow saved and habitat created.

Esme loves getting out into nature and enjoying windy coastal walks, paddleboarding and pottery!

 

 

 

Simon Stainer

Senior Ecologist

Simon has worked in conservation in the north-west of England for over 20 years, bringing a wealth of experience in landscape management. Simon has always considered himself an ecologist, working to find the right solutions for the landscape that bring a positive environmental impact. Simon is a keen fell runner and has represented the Saab-Salomon team in the past. And yes, has even run the entire perimeter to one of our sites, we shall leave that to you to guess which one.

Josh Craddock

Environmental Photographer

Josh is a self-taught featured Fujifilm photographer. He has always had a passion for the outdoors and exploring. Combining that passion with photography allows Josh to capture incredible imagery for Oxygen Conservation. These images are being used to tell the story about the efforts Oxygen Conservation are making in protecting our environment and wildlife.

Josh found a love for photography back in 2016. Since then, Josh has taught himself everything he knows about photography and camera systems today. In 2020 Fujifilm reached out to Josh, asking if he would be a featured photographer. Since then, Josh’s images have been shared across Fujifilm’s social media platforms to promote photography, wildlife and the natural world.

James Ormrod

Natural Capital Analyst

James joins Oxygen Conservation with a strong background in economics and finance, excelling in modeling and quantitative analysis early in his career. His excitement lies in forecasting the real changes that Oxygen Conservation’s efforts will produce.

Whether it be climbing mountains in North Africa or surfing in North Devon, James’ love for the outdoors has driven him to want to push his skills towards conservation. Enthusiastically focusing on modelling, understanding, and implementing improvements to natural capital in the UK.

Additionally, his love for fresh air and natural sounds (specifically rain!), contributes towards his passion in wanting people to connect with nature and respect their surrounding environment, to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the natural world.

He loves adventures with the team, and the occasional swim in a Scottish Lake (wetsuit optional).

Lyall Spencer

Esgair Arth Estate Manager

Lyall brings a wealth of expertise in countryside management and conservation, honed over five years of dedicated study at both college and university. His commitment to preserving natural habitats was further reinforced during an intensive apprenticeship with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, where he delved into the intricacies of countryside business management.

Before embarking on his academic journey, Lyall immersed himself in sustainable woodland management, accumulating invaluable hands-on experience. This period instilled within him a profound connection to the natural world, sparking a fervent desire to contribute meaningfully to environmental restoration.

As our Estate Manager at Esgair Arth, Wales, Lyall holds a deep connection to the estate, a place where he grew up and now lives he is deeply vested in nurturing the land he calls home. His passion extends beyond professional responsibilities; he cherishes every opportunity to explore the great outdoors with his family. Sharing the wonders of nearby landscapes with his children, he seeks to impart a love for nature while creating cherished memories in these breathtaking locales.

Tara Fraser

Invergeldie Estate Manager

Tara is an experienced conservation manager specialising in woodland and upland restorations, with a strong community focus, she brings a wealth of experience in operational delivery of multifaceted land based projects. A passionate advocate for the return of natural processes to our degraded landscapes, Tara is excited to work with the team, restoring the ecosystems at Invergeldie.

Energetic and enthused for her work, Tara holds a deep respect for the land and is dedicated to its restoration before it’s too late. Having grown up in Comrie, Tara is committed to leaving a positive and natural legacy on her home hills. Tara plays a vital role in the connections she has with both the community, and surrounding land, helping the team to achieve both positive environmental and social impacts.

Tara thrives on new challenges and enjoys creative problem solving. Enjoys a cold dook, exploring with her dogs, and being a little wild…

Charles Owen

Mornacott Estate Manager

Charles has spent the last 15 years managing Mornacott, taking it from a tumbled down Devon farm to the fabulous eco-tourism experience it is today. He has a degree in 3D design which might explain his slightly artistic nature and incredible eye for detail!

His background in high end hospitality brings a wealth of experience in hosting events, making sure every detail is taken care of. Charles prides himself on going the extra mile, ensuring every guest departs as a friend, more often than not, returning year after year.

His passion for the countryside is vast, a wealth of knowledge that helps create visions and action plans not just for Mornacott, but for the other estates in the OC portfolio. It also comes in handy for the odd pub quiz!

In his spare time you will find Charles climbing mountains, crawling around river banks or, in his boat with a fishing rod, which keeps him firmly on Dans ‘list’ – (Ongoing Team Joke).

Dr Mark Dixon

Founder - Oxygen House

Dr Mark Dixon is a recognised leader in innovation in academia and statistical modelling. Having set up Oxygen House in 2008, Mark proactively supports technology-driven businesses within the education, social and environmental sectors. Incorporated in 2008, this group of companies was founded upon a shared belief that successful businesses should be inseparably linked with improving lives, learning and the broader environment.

Building on the success of Oxygen House, in 2021 the Group sought to maximise their impact on the natural world through the creation of Oxygen Conservation.

You can find out more about the work of The Dixon Foundation here.

Roy Bedlow

Director - Oxygen Conservation

Roy is founder and Chief Executive of Low Carbon and Managing Partner of Oxygen House. He is also a founder member of the Carbon War Room. As former Vice President and General Manager of Palm Europe, Roy founded the Geneva-based Handspring Sarl, later acquired by Palm. Prior to Palm, Roy was Apple’s European Marketing Director.

Glenn Woodcock

Director - Oxygen Conservation

Glenn is a Dartmoor-based entrepreneur and investor, passionately focused on opportunities that create a more sustainable and healthier future for the people, communities, and area around him. Glenn’s directorships include Exeter City Futures, Oxygen House, Low Carbon and Sparx. His investee companies span ethical clothing and footwear, circular waste and recycling and sustainable food chains. He is also a Board Trustee of the University of Exeter, Exeter College and Dartington Trust.

David Williamson

Director - Oxygen Conservation