Our trustees

People and nature, thriving together.

Stroud Valleys Project has a voluntary Board of Trustees from diverse backgrounds,

who oversee the management and development of the charity.

Simon Arundel: Former Financial Crime and Compliance Officer in financial services. He has also served as a Stroud Town Councillor for a number of years and has a passion for environment and nature. Currently volunteers with SVP and other charities whenever there are trees to plant.

Hugh Barton: brought up in Gloucestershire and lived in Stroud for 40 years, a long term trustee of Stroud Preservation Trust. A qualified Town Planner, who worked for many years at University of West of England, Bristol, including in roles with the World Health Organisation Healthy Cities network on healthy environments and inclusive urban design. Now Emeritus Professor of planning, health and sustainability, with seven innovative professional books published.


Geoffrey Beckerleg: an architect, involved with the work of the Stroud Preservation Trust.


Martin Brown: former adult education teacher, Parish and District Councillor, director of Bisley Community Composting Scheme, chair of Bisley Eastcombe and Oakridge Climate Action Network, organic gardener, birdwatcher and cyclist.


Mark Graham: an ecologist with many years’ experience of landscape management and delivering environmental projects in the public, private and voluntary sectors. 

Stella Parkes: as the current Chair of Trustees, Stella has been involved with Stroud Valleys Project for more than 30 years in various roles. She has a background in media, communications and charity work and was previously Chair of Trustees, 20 years ago.

Sue Ratcliffe: works in the corporate sector and has been a trustee of another charity providing legal aid to those in the local community. She is very committed to sustainability projects, being a Life Member of CAT. 

Peter Seccombe: Director of Red Kite Environment, with broad experience of countryside management and the development of environmental organisations and initiatives

Peter Seccombe and team with bikes in 2014

Peter Seccombe brought a team along to one of our sponsored Bike Rides