Introducing our new Chief Executive

Friends of the Lake District has announced the appointment of Colin Walker as our new Chief Executive Officer.

Colin, who lives in Langwathby, near Penrith, will be joining us from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, where he has been responsible for their transport policy. He was previously the Lead Cycling Delivery Manager at British Cycling and has over twenty years’ experience working in policy and campaigning at several organisations, including Save the Children, Mind and War Child UK.

He joins our charity, established in 1934, at a time when we’re busy campaigning for fairer housing in the National Park and for a better way of funding essential services through a visitor levy. We also own and takes care of twelve pieces of land across Cumbria including Little Asby Common, High Borrowdale near Shap, and woodlands in the Rusland Valley that are currently part of a rainforest restoration programme.

Colin Walker said: “Having spent my entire life enjoying and benefitting from everything that Cumbria has to offer, I am delighted to have the opportunity to give something back. I cannot wait to get started – working to ensure that the county’s beautiful and world-renowned landscapes are protected and enhanced for the benefit of those that live and visit here today, and for generations to come. The sheer popularity of our county inevitably gives rise to challenges, and we will continue to campaign and fight for measures that will help mitigate these, for the benefit of our beautiful fells and lakes, those that come to enjoy them, and the communities that live here.”

Malcolm Boswell, chair of trustees for Friends of the Lake District said: “We’re pleased to welcome Colin to Friends of the Lake District. Colin’s experience in campaigning and influencing partners will ensure that we continue to protect and enhance the Cumbrian landscape for the benefit of the environment, those who live here and those who come to enjoy the only national park in the UK designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

The appointment follows the retirement of the charity’s previous CEO, Michael Hill, who left at the end of May. Colin is expected to take up the role of CEO later in the summer.

Main banner image: High Borrowdale – one of the pieces of land that Friends of the Lake District owns and looks after.