Our Team

Rich is a transformative leader and pioneering environmentalist on a mission to Scale Conservation. Armed with a PhD in data science, Rich combines relentless commitment with visionary thinking to redefine our relationship with the natural world. He co-founded Oxygen Conservation in 2021 and has rapidly built it into one of the world’s most impactful natural capital portfolios, valued at over £400 million and actively transforming over 50,000 acres into thriving ecosystems for people and wildlife. Rich is determined to make natural capital as a mainstream asset class, with the ambitious target of managing over £1 billion AUM and 250,000 acres under management by 2030, setting a new global standard for natural capital investment.

Fi is Managing Director of Oxygen Conservation, leading the operational delivery of the business across land, planning, infrastructure, estate management and environmental projects. She oversees a geographically diverse and operationally complex portfolio, balancing competing demands to drive the best long-term outcomes across the estates. Fi joined Oxygen Conservation in 2023 after more than 15 years in planning consultancy, strategic land and housebuilding, most recently as Group Director at one of the UK’s largest PLC housebuilders. Her experience across land acquisition, property and planning now supports a wider vision for rural estates — where commercial performance and conservation outcomes work hand in hand.

Elena leads capital strategy, institutional partnerships, and European expansion at Oxygen Conservation. She was responsible for securing the company’s first external institutional capital raise of over £100 million and for establishing its first regenerative land assets in Europe.

Prior to joining Oxygen Conservation, Elena held corporate roles at Mastercard Europe and co-founded the award-winning nature tech company +EARTH+.

She is also an author of Gamechangers: How Global CEOs Make Sustainability Work in the Real World, published in April 2024.

George is our General Counsel and Company Secretary. He has worked with Oxygen Conservation since the business started in June 2021 and joined as our inaugural in-house lawyer in January 2023. George has led the legal process on each of our twelve land acquisitions, across England, Wales and Scotland, and also advised on our award-winning £20.55m debt facility raised with Triodos, the UK’s largest conservation-focused debt package to date. He works closely with our natural capital and estate teams on the design and delivery of our carbon, biodiversity net gain and renewables projects, developing a suite of bespoke contracts that ensure our mission to deliver positive environmental and social impact remain central to our work.  

George was named as one of the ‘Hot 100’ by The Lawyer in 2024, which identifies and celebrates the work of the UK’s most innovative and most dynamic lawyers annually. Prior to joining Oxygen Conservation, George worked in private practice as a corporate lawyer, before moving in-house with Oxygen House Group in 2016 as Legal Counsel and progressing to Head of Legal by January 2022. 

Alice brings a wealth of experience in financial leadership and a deep commitment to protecting the outdoors. As Finance Director, she leads financial operations across our portfolio, guiding our financial strategy to ensure we have the resources and vision to Scale Conservation. 

Alice qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC; her career spans 11 years of accounting experience in audit, consultancy and the Insurtech sector, before joining Oxygen Conservation in July 2024. She considers it a privilege to combine a passion for the outdoors with a commitment to scale teams who want to challenge the status quo and innovate at pace. When she isn’t crunching numbers, she’s actively seeking adventure! With a history as a ski and mountain bike instructor, Alice embodies an adventurous spirit that has most recently evolved into challenging herself in the mountains ultra-running. 

Chris is the Director of Natural Capital and 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 sector: from developing a new investment model to re-direct how billions of pounds are invested in the UK, 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 nine 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.  

Dan is the Head of Environment at Oxygen Conservation, leading on ecological restoration and supporting natural capital projects with a firm commitment to delivering environmental improvement without compromise. A fisheries biologist by qualification, Dan was part of the legendary 2003 Sparsholt College alumni and has spent more than two decades working across the public and private sectors, delivering large-scale habitat restoration and river restoration projects. His expertise spans from leading ecological survey teams on major infrastructure projects across the country to removing multiple barriers to natural geomorphological processes on rivers throughout England, Scotland & Wales.  

 Dan has extensive experience in river monitoring and habitat impact assessments, having spent more time than he cares to admit wading through rivers, surveying lamprey ammocoetes on remote Welsh streams, and baselining the River Thames catchment ahead of the London Olympic games. He is a firm advocate of partnership working and has a proven track record of securing significant funding and delivering impactful, catchment-scale conservation initiatives. At Oxygen Conservation, he leads on strategic collaborations, ensuring that the right partners come together in the right places to restore and enhance the natural environment at scale. 

As our Head of Operations, Dave combines an engineering background with deep operational expertise, honed through working at high levels in heavy industry around the world. From keeping aging nuclear power stations running (safely, he promises) and building iron ore processing plants in the Australian outback to developing complex off-grid energy solutions, he has always tackled complex challenges head-on. Now focused on Scaling Conservation, Dave applies his skills to delivering large-scale environmental impact. By developing the operational capability of Oxygen Conservation, he is accelerating site works and implementing the most effective strategies to drive meaningful, lasting change for the natural world. 

As Head of Marketing at Oxygen Conservation, Elly leads a passionate team dedicated to sharing the stories that bring our mission to life. With over 5 year’s experience in marketing, she combines creativity with strategic expertise to ensure our work not only reaches the right audiences but also inspires action, helping to scale conservation efforts and drive real impact.  

For Elly, her connection to nature come when she’s out on the water, currently learning to surf, often wiped out in the waves, she is determined to succeed. That same resilience and determination fuel her leadership, guiding the marketing team to push boundaries, spark engagement, and amplify our impact. 

Through storytelling, brand development, and advocacy, Elly and her team work to ensure that conservation isn’t just something people see—it’s something they feel compelled to be part of. 

As the Investment Manager at Oxygen Conservation, Matt works at the intersection of real assets, capital deployment, and platform-scale natural capital.

He focuses on building the investment infrastructure underpinning a growing UK-wide land and asset portfolio, executing data-driven investments, structuring capital, and supporting long-term asset performance across large landscapes.

Matt’s background spans artificial intelligence, institutional strategy, and advisory work across financial markets, technology-enabled operating models, and capital-intensive systems. He applies this experience to scaling natural capital as an investable, performance-led asset class.

He works closely with allocators, lenders, and partners to deliver disciplined execution, long-duration value creation, AI-enabled decision-making, and institutional-grade governance.

As Head of Estates, Charles is committed to integrating innovative ecological practices that enhance biodiversity, environmental health, and long-term sustainability. His leadership ensures the seamless delivery of all projects on the ground while supporting Estate Managers in executing ambitious conservation and land management initiatives. 

Charles is a highly experienced professional in estate management, recognised for his expertise in overseeing complex projects while prioritising sustainable land stewardship. With a proven track record of successfully managing diverse estates, he excels at balancing operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. With over 15 years of experience, a degree in 3D Design, and a huge breadth of knowledge across multiple disciplines, he brings a meticulous eye for detail and a hands-on approach to managing the day-to-day operations of a diverse estate portfolio. 

Charles thrives in dynamic environments, balancing strategic vision with practical execution to create lasting impact. When not overseeing estates, he finds inspiration in nature—whether climbing mountains, fishing, or exploring riverbanks—fuelling his passion for protecting and enhancing the landscapes he stewards. 

As Senior Legal Counsel, Hannah advises on a wide range of legal matters, working closely with both the natural capital and estate teams. She navigates legal complexities across the business, supporting OC’s strategic goals. With experience in private practice, international work in Singapore, and in-house, she brings pragmatic, cross-sector legal insight. Outside of work, she’s a passionate mountain lover and ultra-distance trail runner, known for her resilience, focus and positive mindset. 

As a Management Accountant, Emily plays a vital role in providing clear and concise financial data to support informed decision-making across teams. As an invaluable point of contact for estate managers, she oversees key areas, including budgeting, compliance, and year-end procedures, bringing both strategic insight and precision to every challenge. 

  As a qualified chartered accountant, Emily has a strong commitment to sustainability and continually advances her expertise through initiatives like ICAEW’s Sustainability Certification. Beyond her professional pursuits, she loves any excuse to get out in the rain! An avid runner and outdoor enthusiast, she combines her passion for the environment with a love of exploring nature.  

Abbey is our Marketing Manager, leading on community engagement across our estates and supporting the delivery of our wider social impact. She works closely with Estate Managers to bring local stories to life, while also shaping our long-form storytelling and editorial direction. With a Master’s degree in Environmental Psychology, Abbey specialises in human–nature interactions, exploring how biodiversity and time spent in nature influence wellbeing. Her background in science communication, including freelance research and writing for science-focused YouTube channels, underpins her thoughtful, insight-led approach to storytelling and engagement.

As a Natural Capital Lead at Oxygen Conservation, I support the design, delivery, and evaluation of large-scale Biodiversity Net Gain, woodland creation, and peatland restoration schemes across a multi-estate portfolio. I work on shaping projects that meet the technical and regulatory requirements of emerging nature markets, while also being financially realistic and practically implementable.

Lara leads our Geospatial work at Oxygen Conservation, using data and technology to drive smarter, faster nature recovery across our estates. From building models that track ecological change over time to developing tools that analyse dozens of datasets to identify future sites in minutes, she plays a key role in scaling our impact. Lara holds an MSc in Geography from a leading research institution and previously spent four years delivering complex GIS projects as a consultant for a global leader in geospatial software. Passionate about using GIS for good, she combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to conservation. Outside of work, Lara enjoys getting outdoors—running, hiking, climbing, surfing (badly), and camping whenever she can.

As our Remote Sensing and Surveying Lead, Doris uses the latest drone technology to survey our Estates. She brings an interdisciplinary approach to conservation, drawing on a background in archaeology and remote sensing developed across the UK, Canada, and Australia. Her degrees in archaeology and 3D analysis reflect a broader mission: integrating land management with technology to inform data-driven decisions.

Her expertise in interpreting landscapes and tracking land use change over time led to a transition into conservation. Working alongside First Nations communities in British Columbia’s forestry sector deepened her understanding of the connections between people, place, and the climate crisis. Those experiences continue to shape her commitment to using cutting-edge tools to support sustainable land management and Scale Conservation.

Originally from Australia, Doris has called Scotland home for the past few years. She’s always up for a multi-day hike or a good BBQ, and continues to learn the fiddle with mixed reviews from her neighbours.

Charlotte is our Marketing Coordinator, supporting the delivery of campaigns and content across the business, and working closely with teams to ensure our messaging is consistent, engaging, and impactful. She holds a Master’s in Sustainability and the Environment, where she explored the relationship between communities and ecological infrastructure. With experience across a range of environmental organisations globally, Charlotte brings a thoughtful, solutions-focused approach and a strong passion for conservation. Outside of work, she volunteers as an emergency responder with the British Red Cross, providing psychosocial support in crisis situations, and leads fundraising efforts for an animal rescue centre in Mexico.

As our Natural Capital Analyst, James is a data-driven environmentalist, who combines a first-class Economic degree with a commitment to enhancing nature and biodiversity. Whether leading woodland creation schemes, designing biodiversity uplift, or presenting restoration opportunities, he is dedicated to demonstrating the value of nature and delivering meaningful environmental restoration. 

Excelling in modelling and quantitative analysis early in his career, James thrives at the intersection between data analysis and natural capital – using insights through OC to accelerate nature recovery and shape the future of conservation. With an intimate understanding of natural capital markets and an eye for detail, his work ensures that ecological impact is measurable, meaningful, and investable. 

As Environment Project Coordinator at Oxygen Conservation, I lead and support the delivery of environmental projects across our portfolio, including new restoration schemes, funding opportunities, and partnerships to secure tangible and lasting positive impact for nature. I hold a Distinction MSc in Marine Environment Management, where I developed a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge related to marine ecosystems, conservation, sustainable resource management and research design. As a PADI Divemaster, I thrive with hands-on, practical work but also enjoy harnessing my communication skills to drive positive impact through written, spoken and community engagement opportunities. I am committed to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss through bold, informed, and socially responsible action.

As a Management Accountant, Jack plays a key role in delivering accurate and insightful financial data to support strategic decision-making across teams. With a strong foundation in financial analysis and planning, he brings clarity and precision to budgeting, forecasting, and performance management.  

 A qualified Chartered Management Accountant (CGMA), Jack is also a certified Sustainability Excellence Associate through the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP). His passion for environmental impact is reflected in both his professional and academic work. His MSc dissertation explored greenwashing in the automotive industry using the GRI Reporting Framework, and he continues to seek opportunities to integrate sustainability into financial strategy and reporting. 

 Jack thrives in collaborative, fast-paced environments and is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring new places and trying new activities – always looking for fresh experiences that broaden his perspective and fuel his curiosity. 

Ben is our Photographer and Videographer, responsible for capturing the stories, people, and landscapes across our estates. With a background as a Digital Video Producer and experience working as a Videographer and Photographer for Exeter Chiefs, he brings a dynamic, storytelling-led approach to visual content. Ben also holds an MSc in Sports and Exercise Nutrition from the University of Westminster and has worked as an ambassador for Optimum Nutrition. Today, he focuses on documenting the restoration journey across our portfolio—bringing to life the scale, detail, and impact of our work through powerful imagery and film.

As Podcast and Content Producer at Oxygen Conservation, Penny brings stories to life through the power of audio and visual media. With a degree in Film and TV Production, Penny handles every aspect of the podcasting process—from inviting inspiring guests and filming episodes to editing captivating stories and creating dynamic social media content. A passionate storyteller, Penny thrives on connecting with people, hearing their unique experiences, and sharing powerful conservation messages with the world.

Beyond podcasts, Penny also contributes to Oxygen Conservation’s broader media strategy, using visual storytelling and editing skills to amplify the organisation’s mission and impact.

Karis is the People Coordinator at Oxygen Conservation, where she plays a key role in enabling the team to do their best work. She supports recruitment, HR processes, and workplace wellbeing, ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Whether it’s streamlining processes or supporting events, Karis is committed to creating a positive and efficient working environment. 

 Originally from Shropshire, Karis spent part of her early life in Cairo, a transformative experience that shaped her love for the ocean and people. She enjoys taking on new challenges, supporting others, and making a difference – especially when it comes to conservation and animal welfare. 

As a Property Coordinator, Hannah brings together a long-standing passion for conservation and sustainable land use with two years of experience in the property management sector.  She supports the growth of Oxygen Conservation’s portfolio, from historic estates to innovative projects focused on sustainability, ecotourism, and evolving property use.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, she has a particular interest in the regeneration of derelict and heritage buildings, creating characterful spaces that work in harmony with nature. Her studies explored sustainable design and the relationship between the built environment, people, and the planet.

A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Hannah enjoys hiking, running, and horse riding, and has taken on challenges such as the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Volunteering on conservation projects in Borneo and community work in Cambodia has further strengthened her commitment to protecting nature and supporting rural communities in the UK and beyond.

I operate in high-performance environments where clarity, execution, and momentum matter.   With a background in physiotherapy, I developed a deep understanding of human performance, resilience, and the importance of creating systems that help people operate at their best. I now bring that same mindset into performance and leadership support, working closely with senior leadership in fast-moving, high-growth environments where judgement, adaptability, and attention to detail are critical.   At Oxygen Conservation, I work directly with the CEO to help protect focus, remove friction, and maintain momentum as the business scales its ambition to redefine conservation. Operating across both strategic and day-to-day priorities, I thrive in environments that require discretion, pace, trust, and exceptional execution.   Outside of work, I’m passionate about travel, health, and sport — experiences that continue to shape how I think about performance, wellbeing, adaptability, and working with energy and intention in fast-moving environments.   I’m motivated by ambitious people and meaningful decisions, helping create the clarity, momentum, and support needed to scale lasting impact.

As Manor Farm Estate Manager, Ashlee is responsible for overseeing various elements of the Estate, including property management and the implementation of complex environmental schemes. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for sustainable land management, she plays a vital role in ensuring the Estate operates efficiently while preserving its natural beauty. 

Bringing a background in event management, Ashlee utilises strong organisational skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience in coordinating complex projects to enhance the Estate’s day-to-day operations. This diverse experience allows her to manage stakeholder relationships, plan logistics effectively, and ensure that all aspects of the Estate function harmoniously. 

Rowan is the Estate Manager at Esgair Arth, overseeing the restoration of a 300-acre coastal landscape on Cardigan Bay where ancient woodland, invasive specie management, and natural processes are being brought back into balance. She holds a First-Class Honours degree in Biology and a PhD from Aberystwyth University, specialising in butterfly vision and behaviour for conservation. With a career spanning ecological research and human impacts on the environment, Rowan is passionate about delivering landscape-scale change on the ground. Born and raised in Wales, she is proud to manage and enhance the landscapes she grew up exploring.

As the Estate Manager at Invergeldie, Ben is involved in every aspect of estate management, ensuring that conservation and ecosystem restoration remain at the core of all activities. His role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from property maintenance and project planning to securing funding for environmental initiatives and engaging with visitors and stakeholders. Whether developing large-scale natural capital projects or managing day-to-day estate operations, Ben is dedicated to creating a landscape that supports biodiversity, sustainability, and long-term environmental resilience. 

Ben’s deep-rooted passion for wildlife and the environment inspired him to pursue a degree in conservation, ecology, and animal management. He has a particular interest in understanding how ecosystems function and the intricate balance of factors required to restore them—an approach that has become increasingly vital as many natural systems across the UK have been significantly altered or degraded. 

As Estate Manager at Siblyback, Will leads the charge in restoring ecosystems and building climate resilience across the estate. While conservation remains at the heart of Siblyback’s mission, Will is equally focused on unlocking the potential of natural capital and exploring sustainable commercial opportunities—demonstrating that environmental restoration and profitability can go hand in hand. 

Will is passionate about building strong stakeholder relationships, forging strategic partnerships, and engaging the local community to ensure the benefits of restoration are shared widely and meaningfully. 

Driven by a deep frustration with society’s inertia around the climate crisis, Will transitioned from a successful career in construction project management to forestry—specifically, large-scale tree planting. He has overseen the planting of millions of trees across Europe, and his commitment to landscape-scale change has only grown stronger. In addition to managing Siblyback to its full ecological and economic potential, he brings his extensive tree-planting expertise to the wider Oxygen Conservation portfolio, helping to amplify the company’s already significant impact. 

Charlie is the Estate Manager at Blackburn and Hartsgarth in the Scottish Borders. He is responsible for delivering our vision of a resilient landscape that benefits biodiversity, climate, and the local community.

Charlie brings a unique perspective to estate management, shaped by a previous career as a Commercial Pilot and later as a Management Consultant, working for a change and transformation consultancy. Drawing on this diverse background and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, Charlie oversees the strategic planning and day-to-day operations of the estate to align with ambitious natural capital objectives. His role involves close collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including conservation partners, landowners, government bodies, and local communities to develop shared goals and transparent communication.  

Outside of work, Charlie is an avid cyclist so you will most likely find him on a road or gravel bike; either training, racing, or simply discovering the scenic Scottish Borders.

As Estate Custodian at Mornacott and Leighon, Archie plays a central role in the stewardship of the land, balancing ecological integrity with sustainable land use and tourism. His day-to-day responsibilities span estate management, property maintenance, and the delivery of unique, low-impact visitor experiences – ensuring that every aspect of the estate reflects a commitment to conservation, community, and responsible access.

With a background in marine biology and a natural talent for hospitality, Archie brings both scientific understanding and a human touch to his work. His passion for the environment is grounded in a belief that positive change is possible when people are connected to nature in meaningful, inspiring ways. Whether he’s overseeing a restoration project, managing estate operations, or welcoming guests to Mornacott, Archie is focused on creating a lasting impact – for biodiversity, for people, and for future generations.

Outside of work, Archie can often be found fly fishing, wakeboarding, experimenting in the kitchen, or travelling in his van in search of new places and ideas. His curiosity, hands-on approach, and strong sense of purpose make him a driving force behind Mornacott’s evolving role as a hub for environmental regeneration and sustainable living.

As Estate Manager for Dorback Estate, Ed leads the delivery of sustainable land management across a landscape shaped by ancient woodland remnants, peatlands, wetlands and the dynamic river systems of Strathspey. Alongside overseeing Dorback’s growing ecotourism operations, they work closely with local communities and partners to ensure the estate’s restoration is collaborative, grounded and built for the long term. Ed is proud to help realise Oxygen Conservation’s ambitions for Dorback — restoring ecological integrity while fostering a shared sense of stewardship for the future.

With over a decade of experience across freshwater, peatland and upland environments, and a PhD in Ecology, Ed combines scientific insight with practical field expertise. They have led river and peatland restoration, biodiversity assessments, hydrological monitoring and species recovery projects in Scotland and internationally. Deeply interested in how ecosystems function and respond to change, Ed is motivated by restoration that is both ambitious and achievable — rebuilding resilient, thriving landscapes in ways that respect local knowledge, support rural livelihoods and create lasting impact for nature and people alike.

Adam Franks serves as a Non-Executive Director at Oxygen Conservation, bringing valuable expertise in investment management and strategic oversight.  As Founder, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Blue and White Capital Limited, Adam has a proven track record of delivering innovative and disciplined investment strategies across diverse asset classes.  As a non-executive Director of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, Adam has overseen its explosive and sustainable growth on and off the field.  His commitment to responsible stewardship aligns closely with Oxygen Conservation’s mission to deliver impactful environmental and conservation outcomes.

Benny Higgins brings extensive expertise in finance, strategy, and leadership to Oxygen Conservation. His career began at Standard Life in 1983 and includes key roles such as Chief Executive of Retail Banking at RBS and HBOS, as well as Chief Executive of Tesco Bank and Group Strategy Director at Tesco plc. He has also played a pivotal role in public policy, advising the Scottish Government on establishing the Scottish National Investment Bank and chairing the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery post-COVID-19.

Benny is currently Executive Chairman of the Buccleuch Group and chairs several organizations, including the National Galleries of Scotland, Sistema Scotland, the Edinburgh International Fringe Society, and Oxygen Conservation.

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 is the 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.