Our Team

Rich Stockdale

CEO

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 founded Oxygen Conservation in 2021 and has rapidly built it into one of the world’s most impactful natural capital portfolios, valued at £200 million and actively transforming over 43,000 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 in assets by 2030, reshaping how the world values nature and creating positive impact at an incredible scale. 

Dan Johnson

Head of Environment

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. 

Alice Bayley

Finance Director

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. 

Fiona Milden

Planning & Property Director

Fi is our Director of Built Property and is a Chartered Town Planner with over 17 years of experience working with communities to deliver major development of all types. With skills honed in multidisciplinary property consultancy and 10 years at a PLC housebuilder, Fi joined Oxygen Conservation to manage all built property aspects of the growing portfolio. Extending to over 300,000 sqft, 150 buildings provide homes, sustainable tourism accommodation and operational spaces across our estates – delivering social and economic impact. Fi works with Estate Managers to identify development opportunities through strategic land, new build and conversions to add value to the portfolio and to support local rural housing markets.  

Chris Winter

Director of Natural Capital

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.  

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

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. 

Andrew Dewar

Head of People

Elly Steers

Head of Storytelling

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. 

George Pawley

General Counsel

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 (totalling over 43,000 acres 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. 

Esme Evans

Natural Capital Analyst

As a dedicated Natural Capital Analyst with a sharp focus on carbon and biodiversity projects, Esme bridges the gap between design and implementation, forging strategic partnerships and engaging stakeholders to deliver meaningful conservation outcomes. Passionate about nature recovery and ecosystem markets, she is proud to play a leading role in shaping the future of the UK’s natural capital sector. 

 Growing up in both rural Dorset and Scotland, Esme developed a deep connection with British habitats and wildlife from an early age. Since then, she has combined her passion for travel with conservation, she has gained extensive experience in both terrestrial and marine habitat management and conservation techniques and even helped discover a new species of Madagascan spider! Esme joined OC as a Geospatial Intern following a bachelor’s degree in biology, before embarking on a pathway of professional growth in ecology and estate management. She is a natural problem solver with an insatiable curiosity, and is driven by a constant desire to learn, challenge and innovate. Her mindset and dedication to habitat restoration make her a key force in driving landscape-scale habitat enhancement and ecosystem restoration across our portfolio. 

James Ormrod

Natural Capital Analyst

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. 

Doris Koeck

Terrain Detective

As our Terrain Detective, Doris harnesses the latest drone technology to survey our Estates. Doris brings an interdisciplinary approach to conservation, with a background in archaeology and remote sensing and surveying developed through projects across the UK, Canada, and Australia. She holds degrees in archaeology and 3D technology, reflecting her broader mission to integrate land management practices with the latest technology to inform data-driven decisions.  

 Her expertise in interpreting landscapes and tracking changes in land use through terrain detection methods led to a transition into conservation. While working alongside First Nations communities in British Columbia’s forestry sector, she deepened her understanding of the vital connections between people, place, and the climate crisis. These experiences continue to shape her commitment to using cutting-edge tools to support sustainable, data-driven land management to Scale Conservation.  

 Originally from rural Australia, Doris has called Scotland home for the past few years. She’s always up for a multi-day hike, a good BBQ, and geeking out over the latest drone technology with friends.  

Louise Docker

Personal Assistant to the CEO

As Personal Assistant to the CEO, Louise keeps everything running smoothly at Oxygen Conservation, balancing horizon planning with the fast-moving pace of Rich’s day-to-day calendar.  With a background in flood risk management and emergency response, she thrives in dynamic environments and complex challenges.  

Outside of work, Louise is a qualified Mountain Leader and climbing instructor, embracing adventure at every opportunity. Whether coordinating complex logistics or guiding teams through the wild, she brings a practical, level-headed approach to whatever’s in front of her. Louise’s belief in nature’s power to inspire and heal shapes her approach, both professionally and personally.   

Charlotte Boyd

Finance Assistant

As Finance Assistant, Charlotte provides support across the company, working diligently to ensure accurate reporting, timely payments and the smooth and efficient flow of finance systems. 

Charlotte holds a Masters in Sustainability and the Environment, where she focused on the relationship between communities and ecological infrastructure. She brings her passion for the environment and experience, from working in many areas for environmental organisations around the world, and can-do attitude to the table!  

When she has finished the day preventing fires in the finance team, she is on call as an emergency responder with the British Red Cross providing psychosocial support while the heroes are fighting real fires. Charlotte also runs fundraising for her animal rescue centre in Mexico, further showcasing her boundless ambition to help others and the environment. 

Ellie Millington

Communications Curator

Ellie is our Communications Curator, shaping how we connect with others and bring our mission to life through strategic storytelling. With a keen eye for impactful language, compelling visuals, and powerful narratives, she helps ensure our messages don’t just inform — they drive action. Holding a Master’s degree in Marine Environmental Management, she brings a strong research background and a commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss through bold, informed, and socially responsible action. 

When Ellie’s not busy crafting stories, she’s chasing her own adventures. As a PADI Divemaster, avid trekker, and keen cyclist, you’re likely to find her exploring reefs, conquering mountain trails, or clocking up miles on two wheels. 

Penny Mai-Bullivant

Podcast Producer

As Podcast 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.

Jack Frost

Management Accountant

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. 

Karis Eyres

People Coordinator

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. 

Emily Crang

Management Accountant

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 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 Dudas

Engagement Specialist

As Engagement Specialist, Abbey works on all things marketing, from online engagement through newsletters and social media to supporting Estate teams with their marketing needs. With a particular passion for long-form content, she proudly wears the hat of editor-in-chief for all things articles! 

  Abbey holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Psychology, where she studied human-nature interactions, with a focus on how time spent in nature influences well-being and how different levels of biodiversity and invasive species can shape this experience. Her communication and marketing experience stems from years of freelance work as a science communicator, specialising in research and writing for science-focused YouTube channels.  

Charles Owen

Head of Estates

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. 

Ashlee Murrell

Manor Farm Estate Manager

As Manor Farm Estate Manager, Ashlee is responsible for overseeing various elements of the Estate, including property management, the implementation of environmental schemes, and supporting the Estate’s growing ecotourism operation. 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. 

Will Lister

Siblyback Estate Manager

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. 

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!

Ben Bidmead

Invergeldie Estate Ranger

As the Estate Ranger 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. 

Archie Barnes

Mornacott Estate Custodian

As Estate Custodian at Mornacott, 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.

Rowan Martin

Esgair Arth Project Officer

Rowan is our Biodiversity Defender (Invasive Non-Native Species Project Officer at Esgair Arth) with a deep-rooted passion for conservation and the great outdoors. She holds a First-Class Honours degree in Biology and a PhD in scientific research, specialising in butterfly vision and behaviour for conservation—both from Aberystwyth University.   

Her career has spanned various roles in animal and anthropogenic behaviour research, but what she loves most is being and working outdoors. Born and raised in Wales, Rowan feels incredibly lucky to work in the county she grew up in, contributing to the protection and restoration of its beautiful landscapes.   

Beyond her work, Rowan is a passionate adventurer, content creator, and outdoor model. Whether mountain biking, skiing, surfing, trekking, or paddleboarding, she thrives on exploring new places and fully immersing herself in nature. While she loves travelling, Wales will always be home. Her small but wonderful family is a huge part of her life and remains her top priority, grounding her in everything she does.

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.

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.

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.

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.