Meet our Members
Below you can find biographies and attendance details of all Members of the South Downs National Park Authority.
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- Vanessa Rowlands, Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority
Appointed by – East Sussex ParishesAppointed in June 2019.
Vanessa Rowlands is Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority. She was appointed to the Authority in June 2019. She is also Chair of National Parks England, the collective voice for England’s ten National Parks.
Vanessa has lived in the Cuckmere Valley, East Sussex for the past 20 years and is a councillor for Cuckmere Valley Parish Council. Two of the most visited destinations in the South Downs NP are in this parish: Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters Heritage Coast.
Her background is in the music industry, arts and heritage, and feels lucky that the South Downs is well served with world class museums & galleries. The stunning historic villages, with their heritage buildings and the landscapes that surround these special places, are layered with stories. Tackling the conservation of these heritage sites whilst at the same time acknowledging the reality of the climate & ecological emergencies is a priority for Vanessa.
Using cultural heritage and the power of storytelling is something Vanessa believes in passionately as the realities of climate change mean landscapes needing to adapt and change. Engaging the communities that live in and around these places, as well as the many people who visit, to understand how and why change is happening will be crucial if we are to succeed.
Vanessa is also trustee at UK National Parks Foundation.
She has, in the past, volunteered at Charleston Farmhouse, Towner Eastbourne and for the Girls Network, a charity which aims to support girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. She spends a lot of time exploring the Downs around where she lives, either by running or on a mountain bike.
VR Register of Pecuniary and Other Interests Form
Contact: Address: c/o SDNPA, South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex. GU29 9DH.
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: vanessa.rowlands@southdowns.gov.uk
- Vanessa Rowlands, Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority
- Lara Sonola
National Appointment
Appointed September 2025
Lara is an independent consultant and former Programme Director in the NHS with experience in the areas of governance, regulatory oversight, change management, strategy development, integrated care systems, health policy and leadership development over the last 15 years.
Prior to joining the NHS, Lara was a Senior Researcher at The King’s Fund where she worked for five years focusing on integrated care, shifting care into community settings, reconfiguring clinical services and quality governance. She has a MSc in Public Health (specialising in Health Services Research) and a BSc in Biomedical Science.
She is an experienced trustee and board member, and is currently a Board Member at London Travelwatch, an Independent Committee Member at Abri, Chair Designate at King George and Queen’s Hospitals Charity, Vice-Chair at Helpforce, and a trustee (and former Co-Chair) at Age UK Wandsworth. Lara is deeply passionate about improving all aspect of the public sphere, through my roles across health, housing and transport and the environment.
Lara was born and brought up in South West London and is a hiking enthusiastic who is keen to encourage those in neighboring towns and cities to visit and support their South Downs National Park, as well understanding how National Parks can support and facilitate greater access to affordable, environmentally sustainable housing.
Contact: Address: c/o SDNPA, South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex. GU29 9DH.
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: lara.sonola@southdowns.gov.uk - Alun Alesbury
Appointed by West Sussex ParishesAppointed April 2010
Alun is a senior practising barrister specialising in planning and local government law.
He has also been appointed to hold public inquiries on numerous occasions by central or local government, e.g. into restricting the use of speedboats on Windermere in the Lake District National Park, genetically modified seed licensing etc.
He was a national appointee on the Sussex Downs Conservation Board, and then the South Downs Joint Committee from 2001.
He is a member of Stoughton Parish Council (West Sussex), and chairs its planning committee.
Register of Members’ Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: Manor Farm House, Walderton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 9EF
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: alun.alesbury@southdowns.gov.uk - Heather Baker
National AppointmentAppointed April 2016
She has lived within the National Park boundary for 37 years, and lives in Tillington with her husband, Joe.
Heather was the elected member for Fernhurst at Chichester District Council, from 2003 until 2015. She held the Environmental Health portfolio for 7 years, a member of the Planning Committee for 7 years, and was leader of the Council from 2011 to 2015. During that time the council underwent a huge cost-cutting exercise which saw savings of £7.5m without detriment to its vital services and its Local Plan adopted.
Heather has a degree in Ergonomics, and her professional background is in ICT. Her particular interests are planning matters, and the built and the natural environment. She enjoys boating, walking, riding, tennis, dogs, gardening and birdwatching.
Register of Members Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: heather.baker@southdowns.gov.uk - Paul Bevan
Appointed by East Sussex Parishes
Appointed January 2025
Paul chairs Piddinghoe Parish Council in the Ouse Valley in East Sussex. Having trained as a town planner, Paul’s 30 plus years in local government included Assistant Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove Council and Chief Executive of the South East England Regional Assembly. He spent the last five years of his career in Brussels, from where he returned to study viticulture and work in the Sussex wine industry. Forever a keen cyclist, his wife an enthusiastic equestrian, they live on the Downs above Piddinghoe.
Register of Members Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: paul.bevan@southdowns.gov.uk - Mark Potter, Deputy Chair
National Appointment
Appointed July 2024Mark’s professional background is within communications, he has held senior positions within regulators, charities, social enterprises, and the civil service for the last 20+ years and is currently a trustee for Wessex Rivers Trust. He grew up in North Yorkshire and now lives adjacent to the River Meon, with his young family.
Mark is a fellow (FRSA) of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the (MCIPR Accred.PR) of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, studied International Relations at Birkbeck, University of London (CertHE) and Conflict and Development at SOAS (Cert). He is a passionate musician and performer, playing drums, percussion, guitar and singing.
Register of Member’s Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: mark.potter@southdowns.gov.uk - Vacant
National Appointment
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: - John Cross
Appointed by Chichester District Council
Appointed May 2023
John is a resident of Sutton, West Sussex and Chair of the Sutton and Barlavington Parish Council and the elected representative for the Fittleworth Ward on Chichester District Council. John believes in people being more than residents, and that a good community is when local people are able, willing and wish to work and have leisure time together.
John’s education, training and professional life is based around teaching Design History, Theory and Restoration and Conservation of Wooden Artifacts. He has led conservation courses in these subjects from FE to Master’s level and continues to teach on these subjects. John also writes about his area of expertise, which is furniture of the Caribbean.
As well as teaching restoration and conservation, John still runs his own business, making furniture, working on architectural interiors and other wood-based objects.
Declaration of Members Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: John.Cross@southdowns.gov.uk - Andy Tree
Appointed by Hampshire County Council
Appointed in November 2025
Andy is a businessman and councillor who lives with his family and four children. Andy has served as Leader of Whitehill Town Council since 2019 and Deputy Leader of East Hampshire District Council since 2023, where he holds the Cabinet Portfolio for Whitehill & Bordon and is heavily involved in local area projects.
Andy was elected as Hampshire County Councillor for his home division of Whitehill, Bordon and Lindford in 2021, the body which has since appointed him to the South Downs National Park Authority.
As town council leader, Andy has been instrumental in overseeing the strategy for the management of the Bordon Inclosure SANG, Deadwater Valley Nature Reserve and the Broxhead and Kingsley Common engagement ranger service provided by the South Downs National Park.
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: Andrew.Tree@southdowns.gov.uk - Vacant
Appointed by East Sussex County Council
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: - Janet Duncton
Appointed by West Sussex County CouncilAppointed June 2016
Janet was born in Petworth, and is married to local Farmer Chris Duncton, they farm within the National Park at Osiers, bordering Ebernoe Common Nature Reserve.
A West Sussex County Councillor since 2013 where she is Chief advisor to the Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, and Chief advisor to the Cabinet member for Residents Services with special responsibility for West Sussex Fire and Rescue, and is Vice Chairman of Rural Services Network (RSN) for the South East of England. Janet has also been a Chichester District Councillor since 1973 and has held positions of Leader, Cabinet member for Housing and Planning.
Janet was a founder member of the Sussex Downs Conservation board, she is a supporter of agriculture, the Countryside the local community. Janet has always lived in the Countryside and enjoys walking, cycling, gardening and travel.
Register of Members’ Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex. GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: janet.duncton@southdowns.gov.uk - Tom Nevill
Appointed by Eastbourne Borough Council
Appointed October 2025
Tom Nevill is a long‑standing local representative and community advocate based in Eastbourne. He currently serves as a Councillor at Eastbourne Borough Council.
With a strong interest in sustainable urban transport and accessible planning, Tom has worked to promote improvements in public transport accessibility and forward‑looking urban development.
As a member of the Authority, Tom aims to bring his experience of urban and transport planning to help enhance the connectivity and enjoyment of the National Park’s landscapes for residents and visitors alike – ensuring that the special qualities of the South Downs National Park are both preserved and accessible. Outside his political and civic work, he enjoys exploring the Downs and has a strong passion for bus travel.
Contact: c/o The SDNPA The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex. GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: Tom.Nevill@southdowns.gov.uk - Mark Fairweather
Appointed by Wealden District Council
Appointed May 2023
Mark moved to southern Sussex 45 years ago and has been based here ever since. He taught science across Sussex, in Central London, and then internationally (returning to Sussex almost every summer).
He has been an active member of Brighton Explorers Club since 1984, organising many activities. Many of the more local activities, such as walking and off -road biking, have been in the National Park as it is on our doorstep so he is very familiar with the use of the Park for recreation. Another one of the Explorers was a Reserves Officer with Sussex Wildlife Trust so many of his walks took us to their reserves so Mark is familiar with many of the most sensitive sites in the National Park.
Mark was a science teacher for 40+ years so, by profession as well as personal interest, he has interests in issues like fertiliser run-off, downland ecology and water abstraction. Mark has watched with interest the regeneration, eg. of Stanmer Great Wood, in the wake of the Great Storm of 1987. His interest in environmental matters goes back far further – to when he was at school.
Mark became politically active for the 1975 European Referendum and have just continued. He was politically active in the 80s and 90s when he developed an interest in strategic planning as he was involved with the Brighton LD councillors in:
- The regeneration of Brighton seafront
- The (partially implemented) redevelopment of the wider Brighton Station site.
Mark now lives in Westham (near Pevensey), and is a Parish Councillor. Westham is beset with many contentious planning issues (Stone Cross is within the parish ) yet is locked in on 3 sides by flood zones and the Conservation area yet the fourth side is within the Pevensey Levels catchment area (with the pollution restrictions that that brings) and is open to criticisms of urban sprawl.
Declaration of Members Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: Mark.Fairweather@southdowns.gov.uk - Theresa Fowler
Appointed by Brighton & Hove City CouncilAppointed June 2023
Theresa was born in Hong Kong, where her father was then stationed in the army, and the family moved back to the UK and Brighton when she was a year old. Having grown up with the South Downs on her doorstep, she enjoyed long walks from an early age, and her love of the countryside and wildlife has continued to deepen throughout her adulthood.
Living in Brighton gives you the best of both worlds, bookended as it is by the sea and the downs, and as well as her exploration around the city’s green spaces, Theresa loves nothing better than sitting by the sea watching the seagulls and hoping to see the dolphins occasionally sighted near the waterfront, or a resident seal which has been fascinating people.
As a well-known local small business owner in the city – running an independent art and craft shop for 12 years – Theresa’s enjoyment of the engagement and conversations she had with her customers, which became ever more frequently about the degradation of the local environment both locally and more widely in the UK, led to a new path. Inspired by her passion on this issue above all others, many residents suggested that Theresa stand for the Brighton & Hove City Council, as they were sure she could have a positive impact.
She did, first in 2019 and again in 2023, sitting on the environment committee amongst others. She is now Deputy Chair of the new City Environment, South Downs and the Sea Committee, and is delighted to join the SDNP as a member.
Declaration of Members Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: Theresa.Fowler@southdowns.gov.uk - Joan Grech
Appointed by Horsham District CouncilAppointed May 2023
Joan has lived in the vicinity of the South Downs National Park for 24 years, initially moving down from London to Hove and then moving to Storrington in 2008. When living in Hove she got to know parts of the South Downs well, as with her partner she took long walks on weekends at various locations along the Downs, as far east as Jevington and as far west as Stoughton and Kingley Vale. Since moving to Storrington, Joan has particularly got to know and love the South Downs around Storrington.
After studying Psychology, Joan became a civil servant for 27 years, working in various areas of Information Technology, and before taking early retirement from the Civil Service Joan was Head of Information Assurance for the Ministry of Justice. She then worked a further 5 years for Hewlett Packard as an Information Security Consultant on one of its Public Sector IT services contracts until fully retiring in 2015.
Joan is a member of two small local conservation societies, Sandgate Conservation Society and Storrington Conservation Society, which are involved in helping to maintain and improve green spaces and habitats in and around Storrington, including a Sullington Warren SSSI and part of Hurston Warren SSSI, Sandgate Park SNCI, as well as within the SDNP helping the rangers restore the butterfly habitat at Chantry Hill by scrub clearing. She is also a trustee of Sandgate Conservation Society.
Joan was elected a District Councillor for Storrington and Washington in a by-election in April 2022 and re-elected in May 22.
Declaration of Members Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: Joan.Grech@southdowns.gov.uk - John Hyland
Appointed by Hampshire ParishesAppointed January 2023
John was born in Brighton and has lived in Soberton in the Hampshire Downs, close to the River Meon, for over 30 years; he is chair of Soberton Parish Council. He is a Landscape Architect, a Fellow of the Landscape Institute, and retired in 2019 after 40 years in private practice.
In his professional life he was involved in the design and master planning of National Parks, public parks, open spaces and historic landscapes across Europe and the Middle East. He worked with the Olympic Delivery Authority in the design and delivery of the 2012 London Olympic Stadium. He has carried out many landscape and visual assessments for major developments, acting as expert witness at planning inquiries.
In 2010 John was instrumental in the purchase of St Clair’s Water Meadow on the Meon in Soberton with the support of a ‘Biffa’ grant, to create a 5ha local nature reserve now managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. As Chair of the Parish Council he supports an active local conservation group who manage part of Soberton Down (LNR) and other sites in the parish for their downland ecology.
John enjoys walking, cycling, tennis, sailing and visiting all types of natural landscapes.
Declaration of Members Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: John.Hyland@southdowns.gov.uk - Melanie Hunt
National Appointment
Appointed July 2020Melanie was born and raised in Lewes, and grew up surrounded by the South Downs. Her love for the area has not diminished, and even though her career in education has drawn her to other parts of the country, she has always returned to Sussex.
A graduate of the University of Oxford and a trained teacher, Melanie has had a long and varied career in education which included secondary school and further education – working within and across colleges in Sussex. She has held posts with national responsibility in the Learning and Skills Council and Ofsted – both of which required regular contact with a variety of government departments and agencies.
Latterly, Melanie was Principal and Chief Executive of Sussex Downs College until she retired in 2015. She was a member of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership and worked closely with local and county councils, employers and community groups to promote high quality further education for young people and adults in East Sussex.
She now lives in West Sussex and is a keen walker, artist and writer…. inspired by the South Downs of course!
Declaration of Members Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: melanie.hunt@southdowns.gov.uk - Gary Marsh
Appointed by Mid Sussex District CouncilAppointed June 2019
This is Gary’s second term as a Member of the National Park. He is passionate about the environment and the sheer beauty of the diversity that’s lies within the park.
Gary was born within, what’s now the National Park. His family have farmed for many years on the land surrounding Petersfield, where he grew up to love the countryside.
Together with his wife he walks the many trails in and around the Park. Though they now live just outside of the Park, walking with their two dogs and respecting the countryside is within their DNA.
Gary has been in local government since 1998, joining Mid Sussex District Council in 2003 to the present day. He has held various cabinet posts, the one which he cherishes the most was being in charge of planning and the environment.
Gary brings this planning knowledge to the Park, which contributes to its lasting protection.Register of Members’ Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: gary.marsh@southdowns.gov.uk - Stephen McAuliffe
Appointed by Arun District CouncilAppointed June 2023
Steve is appointed to the SDNPA by Arun District Council where he represents the Arundel & Walberton Ward. He is an ex-British Army Air Corps soldier and a retired ecologist, arborist and environmental management consultant. He graduated from the University of Sussex with a BSc (Hons) in Ecology and Conservation and holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Brighton where he undertook research into protected species legislation and anthropogenic impact mitigation. Steve is now a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Brighton focusing on wildlife impacts arising from mechanical wave propagation in forest habitats.
Declaration of Members Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: Stephen.McAuliffe@southdowns.gov.uk - Robert Mocatta
Appointed by East Hampshire District Council Appointed in May 2015
Rob was appointed as a Member of the South Downs National Park Authority in May 2015. He lives on the South Downs in rural East Meon, an area surrounded by a mixture of arable farmland, permanent pasture and woodland. He has lived in the South Downs for 24 years, and grew up in just outside the SDNP in Haslemere.
He is passionate about encouraging children to play sport, and is actively involved in trying to provide all sports and leisure facilities in the local area. He is a keen cyclist, both on and off road, and is actively involved in encouraging active travel and better access to the countryside. He regularly gives talks on local history and runs the East Meon History Group.
He is the Hampshire county councillor for Petersfield Butser, and is chairman of the HCC Universal Services committee that scrutinises HCC’s countryside, road and environmental services. He is also the EHDC cabinet member for placemaking, climate and the environment.
Register of Members’ Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex. GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: robert.mocatta@southdowns.gov.uk - Jerry Pett
Appointed by Winchester City CouncilAppointed in May 2023
Jerry is a retired Naval officer who has lived in the Meon Valley, metres away from the South Downs Way, for the past 25 years. Following his retirement from the Service in 2017 he spent the following years achieving his aim of covering all the designated long-distance footpaths in Hampshire and West Sussex – a good way to get to know the Park! Jerry is chair of Corhampton & Meonstoke Parish Council and was recently elected to Winchester City Council for the large rural ward that is almost entirely within the Park.
Declaration of Members Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: Jerry.Pett@southdowns.gov.uk - Steven Ridgeon
Appointed by Hampshire Parishes
Appointed July 2023
Steven has lived in the National Park since 2013 and has been an East Meon Parish councillor since 2018, chairing the Planning Committee, part of the team that developed the Neighbourhood Plan and also being the councillor with responsibility for environmental activities and the River Meon.
In his career, Steven worked in supply chain management and strategic planning in the consumer goods industry.
His interests include introducing his 6 (and counting!) grandchildren to the South Downs National Park, researching his family tree, gardening and attending Premier League football matches. Steven is also a Member Nominated Trustee Director for a pension fund.
Declaration of Member Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: Steven.Ridgeon@southdowns.gov.uk- Andrew Shaxson
Appointed by West Sussex ParishesAppointed June 2019
Register of Members’ Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: andrew.shaxson@southdowns.gov.uk - Daniel Stewart-Roberts
Appointed by Lewes District Council
Appointed May 2023
Daniel lives on the North slope of the South Downs near Lewes and represents the district council ward of Plumpton, Streat, East Chiltington and St. John Without, which straddles the northern boundary of the Park.
He is Finance Director of an East Sussex community development charity and partner in a management training business. His voluntary positions include Councillor of City & Guilds and Governor of the Chichester Cathedral Restoration and Development Trust. He is a Chartered Accountant.
Declaration of Members Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: Daniel.Stewart-Roberts@southdowns.gov.uk - Vicki Wells
Appointed by Worthing Borough Council
Appointed July 2023
Vicki grew up in Adur and spent her formative years fossil hunting along the coast and cross country running over the South Downs. She enjoyed its dark skies to observe meteor showers and astronomical events with her father.
Vicki’s love of natural history and nature resulted in degrees in Geology and Science Communication. Her passion to communicate science and natural history resulted in a career at the BBC as a science producer working on the Sky at Night before returning to Worthing to raise her own family.
Vicki loves the unique geology and Stone Age history of the South Downs and has worked as a Projects and Engagement Officer at Worthing Museum and a freelance science communicator to local schools.
Vicki loves observing the night sky, the Cretaceous period, Stone Age artefacts, bats, pond creatures and ensuring the health and sustainability of natural spaces. She is the Cabinet Member for the Environment at Worthing Borough Council.
Declaration of Member’s Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: Vicki.Wells@southdowns.gov.uk - Stephen Whale
National AppointmentAppointed July 2020
Stephen studied Economics & Politics at the University of Birmingham, after which he studied Law at the College of Law and the Inns of Court School of Law. He was Called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn in 1999. Stephen is a senior practising Barrister, specialising in all aspects of planning law plus a range of rural law issues (including rights of way, village greens, felling licences and commons).
He frequently advises private clients, local authorities, residents’ groups and Secretaries of State, as well as representing them at public inquiries and in the courts. Stephen is a member of the Agricultural Law Association, the Planning & Environment Bar Association and CPRE’s Legal Panel. He writes the chapter on planning enforcement in the Encyclopedia of Planning Law.
Originally from Yorkshire, Stephen lives with his family in the South Downs National Park. He is Countryside Champion for the Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve near Petersfield. Stephen’s interests include golf, country pursuits and the Scottish Highlands.
Declaration of Members’ Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: stephen.whale@southdowns.gov.uk - Robson Peisley
National Appointment
Appointed December 2025
Robson Peisley is an ecologist and conservationist based in East Sussex. Currently she is a master’s researcher at the University of Brighton, focusing on socio-ecological factors surrounding species reintroductions. Her previous research has explored habitat restoration, specifically of the ponds at the Seven Sisters Country Park. Outside of academia she is involved in several projects relating to environmental issues, such as her campaigning work with UK Youth for Nature and as Chair of the Sussex Mammal Group.
With regards to the South Downs, Robson has been involved with the Authority as a Youth Ambassador and on the steering group for the most recent Partnership Management, advocating for nature, access, and youth. Her work around National Parks has expanded beyond the South Downs, becoming an Ambassador and Council Member for Campaign for National Parks. Her passion for Protected Landscapes began from an early age, stemming from a childhood in the Chilterns National Landscape. Growing up in the diverse chalk landscape ignited her interest in the environment, leading her to specialise in conservation at university.
Previously she has been involved in a variety of conservation and biodiversity monitoring projects within Sussex and the South Downs, as well as with initiatives as part of the Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere. A large aspect of her current work is focused on how we can communicate, often complex, environmental topics to diverse audiences, boosting the diversity and number of people who care about and enjoy our green and blue spaces. She recognises the richness of our landscapes, from biodiversity and geology to heritage, arts, and communities. In her role as a Board Member for the Authority, she hopes to increase engagement from communities and boost the resilience of the landscape amidst the climate and nature crises.
Contact: c/o The SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: Robson.Peisley@southdowns.gov.uk
- Andrew Shaxson
Independent Members
Two Independent Members are recruited to the Policy & Resources Committees as follows:
- Tom Fourcade
Independent Member – Policy & Resources Committee
Tom is a member of the UK senior civil service and has been responsible for directing operations of the Department for International Trade since 2016. Before Tom had over 20 years’ international experience of building businesses and not for profit organisations in leadership, advisory and investment roles in the environmental and renewable energy sectors. He has participated in creating several successful enterprises from start-up including two as CEO and held the role of Investment Director for a private equity investment fund. Tom is an Applied Sciences graduate of Kingston University and his final year thesis involved researching water course pollution in tributaries of the River Arun. He has been involved with conservation on the South Downs since childhood (as a volunteer South Downs Ranger and for the Adur Valley Project in the early 1990s) and is a keen off road cyclist and walker. Tom lives with his wife and two children in Storrington, West Sussex.Register of Members’ Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Email: c/o committee.officer@southdowns.gov.uk - Catriona Aves
Independent Member – Policy & Resources Committee
Catriona has lived in the South Downs since 2014. She lives with her husband and three children and she enjoys getting out into the countryside either trail running or walking.
She read law at Cambridge University following which she practised as a solicitor, firstly in The City and then in-house for a large professional services firm. She specialised in professional negligence and has experience handling various allegations in relation to financial statements, audit and professional conduct. After taking time out to raise her children when they were small, she decided to pursue her interest in development, infrastructure and conservation by undertaking a Masters in Urban and Rural Planning through the University of West England. She completed this in April 2022.
Register of Members’ Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Contact: c/o SDNPA, The South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Telephone: c/o SDNPA 01730 814810
Contact: c/o committee.officer@southdowns.gov.uk
Co-opted Members of the Policy and Resources Committee
- Arthur Sloman
Appointed July 2024Arthur has valuable professional experience with museums & heritage organisations such as The British Museum, V&A, National Gallery, Royal Museums Greenwich, English Heritage, National Trust & Sussex Wildlife Trust.
His continuing efforts to make heritage accessible for everyone include nature based learning projects for low income families and volunteering opportunities for young people with SEN.
His perspective will help SDNPA align with its goals for arts & heritage, lifelong learning, outstanding experiences and creating custodians. His background as a filmmaker also provides insight into effective use of digital media for reaching new audiences Content.
- Vacant
- Cameron MacDonald
Appointed July 2025
PhD Art History student; as well
as working at Arundel Castle & Goodwood House as a guide, Cameron has volunteered with the National Park since 2016 and from 2018-24 was one of the Park’s volunteer Youth Ambassadors, engaging with those in and around the Park the ages of 18-25 to get involved in green spaces, not just from a conservation point of view.Cameron hopes to build on the ideas and efforts achieved during his time as a volunteer Youth Ambassador. He hopes to bring attention to younger voices that live not only within the Park, but those young people who are on its borders. Finding ways to engage more with those who are perhaps unaware of what the Park offers; as well as students, of all subjects, who study at the various institutions across the South. This whilst also approaching his role with a sense of collaboration, bridging the gap between the wider tenured experience of the National Park and those who can give younger fresh perspectives. Evolving the Park, in a way that can still achieve the aims of the Management Strategy.
Cameron’s aims are not solely based on the environmental. His work and own personal studies within the field of History, and Heritage, offer the chance to engage and collaborate in our own South Downs Cultural History for all to enjoy and preserve equally as much as the environmental.
Independent Person for Member Standards
The Localism Act 2011 requires the Authority to appoint an Independent Person whose views are to be sought, and taken into account, before making a decision on an allegation of misconduct against a Member of the Authority.
The views of the Independent Person may also be sought on other standards matters including the procedures to be followed in dealing with allegations.
The Independent person also assists the Authority in promoting high standards of conduct by members and Co-opted members, and in particular upholding the Code of Conduct adopted by the Authority.