Our Team

Rich Stockdale

CEO

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 the acquisition of land for conservation, the restoration of natural processes, regenerative agriculture, and renewable energy.

Dan Johnson

Head of Environment

Dan is a fisheries ecologist by qualification and brings over 20 years of experience, working across the public and private sectors, 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.

Chris Winter

Director of Natural Capital

Chris is a multi-award-winning Environmental Economist who 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 the 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 sectors 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 the heavy industry around the world from maintaining ageing nuclear power stations and 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 Head of Marketing, 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 tries to catch any opportunity to ride the waves, spending time in water 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

General Counsel

George is our General Counsel and has been working with the Oxygen Conservation team from its inception. He has over 10 years of 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.

Louise Docker

Personal Assistant to the CEO

Drawing on her background in flood risk management and emergency response, Louise brings extensive experience in navigating complex, dynamic environments. Guided by a belief in nature’s power to inspire and heal, she channels her expertise into creating meaningful change—whether that’s coordinating intricate logistics to deliver effective strategies, or leading adventurous hikes as a qualified Mountain Leader. Louise is known for her ability to bring calm to the chaos.

Outside of work, Louise embraces adventure at every opportunity. From cycling across Asia to climbing remote cliffs, her life is a testament to her resilience, curiosity, and exploration.

Tom Bloom

Terrain Detective

Tom brings his experience as a chartered mechanical engineer, consultant and drone pilot to tackle the need for accurate, reliable data. Learning from delivering large-scale data capture and digital twinning projects for major UK infrastructure, he applies his industry knowledge to investigating and mapping the Oxygen Conservation portfolio. Using the latest technology and methods, from LiDAR and photogrammetry to thermal imaging Tom surveys the land to help quantify the impact of our conservation objectives across the Oxygen Conservation portfolio.

He has a keen love for exploring the outdoors from kayaking and climbing to hiking, camping and bushcraft. Tom is excited to spend more time across each of our sites focusing on developing innovative techniques to build an industry-leading approach to support our mission to Scale Conservation.

Alice Bayley

Director of Finance

Alice brings a wealth of experience in financial leadership and a deep commitment to sustainability.

Her skills extend beyond finance; she’s driven by a passion for making a real impact in the world and is dedicated to Scaling Conservation. As our Director of Finance, Alice will oversee all financial functions across our portfolio, guiding our financial strategy to ensure we have the resources and vision to grow our conservation efforts.

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 perfectly complements our team culture.

 

 

James Ormrod

Natural Capital Analyst

James joins Oxygen Conservation with a strong background in economics and finance, excelling in modelling 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 for 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).

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 nature, Abbey brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as our engagement specialist. 

Esme Evans

Estate Manager (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 species of Madagascan Spider!

As our ecologist, Esme will be helping OC fight biodiversity loss by prioritising conservation and advocating for the restoration of the natural environment. Esme will work to design environmental management strategies at scale to bring about a positive environmental impact at each of our sites. She sees 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!

 

 

 

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.

Charles Owen

Head of Estates (England & Wales)

With over 15 years of experience managing Mornacott, Charles has played a pivotal role in transforming this estate into a vibrant model of sustainable land management. His stewardship of Mornacott has seen it evolve into a leading ecotourism destination, showcasing his deep commitment to environmental regeneration and ecological balance.

Now, as Head of Estates for England and Wales, his focus is on reshaping the future of estate management by integrating innovative ecological practices and sustainable solutions, ensuring these landscapes thrive for generations to come.

While continuing to manage Mornacott and Leighon, Charles’s broader role now focuses on developing long-term strategies that prioritise environmental health, biodiversity, and sustainable land use, while also supporting Estate Managers across England and Wales in implementing these initiatives.

In his spare time, Charles’s love for nature takes him to the mountains, riverbanks, or out fishing, where he continues to draw inspiration from the natural world around him.

Adam Crouch

Blackburn and Hartsgarth Estate Manager

Adam, our Estate Manager at Blackburn & Hartsgarth, brings a rich tapestry of experiences to his role, shaped by a career in the military that took him to the farthest reaches of the globe, skiing and skydiving wherever he could. This eventually led to a career in prototype engineering in the automotive industry. However, his true passion has always been rooted in the natural world, a love that blossomed during his upbringing on a small arable farm in Bedfordshire.

Driven by this profound connection to the environment, Adam transitioned from engineering to Estate Management. He is currently advancing his expertise by pursuing a master’s degree in Rural Land and Estate Management at the Royal Agricultural University. Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Adam can be found in the wild landscapes of Scotland, hill walking and wild camping with his very energetic springer spaniel!

Ashlee Murrell

Manor Farm Estate Manager

Ashlee cannot wait to see the impact of our work both environmental and social across the site. From property renovation and ecotourism to our estate’s BNG scheme, she is thrilled to be a part of our mission to help Scale Conservation.

Ashlee is the ultimate people person. She’s kind, charming, unassuming, humble, and emotionally intelligent. Don’t be fooled, however, She’s also resilient, brave, and dedicated. Leveraging her diverse background, which spans from navigating the complexities of event management to mastering the dynamics of a fast-paced environment, Ashlee brings unparalleled clarity and efficiency to her role at OC. 

When she isn’t working hard to improve Manor Farm, you will often find her on adventures with her pup Ralph up and down the country, from serene long walks that invariably lead to quaint local pubs to the tranquil shores of various beaches.

Adam Franks

Non-Executive Director- Oxygen Conservation

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

Chairman - Oxygen Conservation

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

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.

David Williamson

Director - Oxygen Conservation

Roy Bedlow

Director - Oxygen Conservation

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.