ENVIRONMENTALIST and charity leader Sandra King has been confirmed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Beaver Trust, bringing new leadership expertise to accelerate the charity’s vital work restoring Britain’s beaver populations and rivers.

Beaver Trust works throughout Britain, relocating, managing and restoring beaver populations, working closely with land managers and communities. The charity also delivers education and communications necessary to inform the public about beavers and supports DEFRA with the emerging national beaver policy.

Reacting to her appointment, Sandra King said:

“I am thrilled to be joining Beaver Trust. I was particularly drawn to the energy, passion and pace with which Beaver Trust works. I am excited to build on the charity’s pivotal convening role, strengthening existing partnerships and developing new ones. Never has there been a more important time for us to put all our efforts into addressing the twin climate and ecological crises. I can’t wait to get started.”

Sandra joins Beaver Trust in February 2021 from her current role as Chief Philanthropy Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, where she has led the team to deliver high-quality philanthropy services and ambitious growth. She also brings a strong knowledge of the environmental sector from her previous role as Chair of Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

Alasdair Harris, Beaver Trust Chair, commented:

“I’m delighted that we have a leader of Sandra’s calibre to guide Beaver Trust on this next stage of our journey. Sandra brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm, and a fantastic breadth of experience as a skilled and accomplished leader in our sector. We look forward to welcoming Sandra to lead our team at this critical time for the future of Britain’s rivers and biodiversity.”

Beaver Trust’s reach and impact are growing rapidly, meeting the soaring interest in beaver reintroduction and management, and there has never been a more important time to bring systemic vision to the restoration of this species to restore Britain’s rivers. As ecosystem engineers, beavers can play a pivotal role in reversing the decline in wildlife and restoring our rivers but will need consistent management engaging communities, landowners and other interests wherever challenges arise.

Beaver Trust brings expertise and partnership to support those living and working with beavers. The charity also works through a collaborative NGO partnership on the Riverlands programme to reinstate river buffer zones and diversity to Britain’s river systems.

Outgoing Chief Executive, James Wallace, will remain closely involved in the charity’s work. He added:

“Beaver Trust has journeyed from an eager start-up to a reputable environmental charity with a clear role over the past two and a half years. I am delighted with the achievements the team has made and am confident that Sandra will lead the way forwards with passion, wisdom and integrity.”

Beaver Trust is a climate and nature restoration charity working to restore Britain’s rivers and their wildlife with beavers.

For more information, please visit: www.beavertrust.org.