Meet the team

Andy Chapman – Interim Chair

Having lived around Milton Keynes in North Buckinghamshire since 1988 I have gotten to know the countryside and green spaces around this area quite well (Walking, Running and cycling). Our Green spaces are critical to our well-being, and both physical and mental health giving us a way to remove the stresses our daily lives pile upon us.

Having recently taken early retirement from one of the world’s leading IT businesses I wished contribute back, so that others can continue to reap the benefits that using our countryside offers.  Seeing the work and the teams at CPRE, what an ideal way to ensure that this opportunity is open for the future generations.

Chloé Valerie Harmsworth – Office & Communications Manager

I am a nature writer and artist, with a background in educational publishing. I’ve previously worked at Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust, writing engaging wildlife content and developing connections between communities and their local environments. I am also the author of nature guides about Woodland Habitats and UK Birds of Prey.

I’m passionate about opening people’s eyes to the preciousness and beauty of nature, inspiring them to love and protect it. I’m looking forward to using my skills to help the people of Buckinghamshire protect the wildlife, countryside and green spaces that make the county so special.

Frances Nash – Trustee

I’ve lived in Buckinghamshire for over 15 years, in Pitstone, where I am lucky enough to have Ivinghoe Beacon on my doorstep.

I’m a hobby gardener as well as a walker. I spent large parts of my childhood on narrowboat holidays – so I guess it’s not surprising that I’ve developed a broad interest in the countryside and the environment.

I’ve been impressed by the very broad range of topics that CPRE touches on.  I’m very much enjoying getting involved, but, goodness, there’s a lot to do!

Michael Blackwell – Trustee

Tanya Arora – Trustee

I’m thrilled to join CPRE Bucks as a Trustee. With over 12 years of HR experience, including my recent role at the International Centre for Research on Women, I bring a wealth of knowledge in organisational development. My passion for environmental preservation was sparked by the stunning green landscapes of England, I was certain that it was something I wanted to help protect for future generations. I’m especially eager to support CPRE’s recruitment and volunteer efforts.

Devindi Kumarasinghe – Trustee

I am passionate about protecting our natural landscapes and creating a greener, healthier future for our communities. Having several years of experience in environmental and sustainability roles, including environmental compliance, waste management and carbon reduction, I have developed a strong commitment to promoting responsible environmental practices.

Currently, I support environmental monitoring and compliance within a highly regulated scientific environment. Volunteering with CPRE Buckinghamshire will allow me to use my skills and experience to support local environmental projects, promote countryside protection, and help ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from our beautiful green spaces.

Holly Gascoyne – Trustee

I grew up in the countryside, in a small village called Marshfield in Wiltshire. I have always had a love for woodlands, looking out over rolling fields, and watching the seasons change. I love to forage responsibly and create home-made recipes using the local hedgerow bounty. 

As a mother, I’m all too aware of the over-development of our lands and wish to harbour a love and respect for nature in our future generations. I hope to assist CPRE in the important work they do in taking care of nature, as well as continuing to produce food locally and sustainably.

Oliver Gascoyne – Trustee

I was born and raised in the Buckinghamshire countryside, living in Haddenham for most of my life. I spent my childhood roaming and exploring across the many footpaths and bridleways which surround the area, giving me the opportunity to enjoy some of Britain’s beautiful nature.

Water retention and the water cycle are areas of particular interest to me, and I feel a strong urge to protect and preserve our waterways and landscapes from irreversible ‘development’.

I believe careful consideration should be taken when it comes to changing our green spaces, and CPRE increases my confidence that these considerations are taking place.

Neil Salisbury – Lead Planning Volunteer

Neil’s interest in the British countryside, and in CPRE in particular, was kindled by a love of the books of Bill Bryson who, it turned out, was a past President of CPRE. When Neil retired from his consultancy business he wanted to gain a new skill to keep his mind busy. So he took on learning all about planning, which has certainly proven to be a challenge!

Floridane Njike – Planning Volunteer

I’m an Employment Specialist with a background in Sustainable Planning and Environmental Management from the University of Hertfordshire. I’m passionate about building sustainable communities from the ground up, creating places that meet people’s needs while protecting our green spaces and preserving the genius loci that defines them.

My work focuses on bridging social impact and environmental responsibility, ensuring that growth and conservation go hand in hand. I believe in planning that not only delivers homes and opportunities, but also safeguards the character and integrity of the places we call home.

Liberty Abbott – Planning Volunteer

I became a planning volunteer with CPRE Bucks this September and so far I’ve been working on responding to the Bucks Local Plan. I live in south Northamptonshire but I study environmental conservation at Bangor University. I am part of the university’s ultimate frisbee team, which is my new favourite sport. I love being active outdoors and am a keen wild swimmer, walker and cyclist.

Fun fact about me: when I was 15, I coded a quiz that matched your personality to a species of ant!

Mahrukh Awan – Planning Volunteer

I am an Urban Design and Planning professional with a Master’s degree in Urban Design from Oxford Brookes University, where I achieved a Distinction for my dissertation on child-friendly and liveable neighbourhoods.

At CPRE Bucks, I support work on the Bucks Local Plan, focusing on the built environment, infrastructure, and sustainable development. My experience includes public health policy, neighbourhood planning, and community engagement through roles with Oxfordshire County Council and Blackbird Leys Parish Council.

I am passionate about promoting environmentally responsible growth and creating inclusive, healthy, and resilient communities in line with CPRE’s vision for a sustainable countryside.

Rebecca Brown – Planning Volunteer

I am a recent Human Geography graduate and Planning Volunteer with CPRE Buckinghamshire, advocating for sustainable development. I bring a strong analytical perspective to my role and I am passionate about community engagement, protecting green spaces and implementing environmental justice.

During university, I developed research skills by being given the opportunity to conduct fieldwork in Berlin and Copenhagen, as well as completing my final year dissertation which focused on the geographies of Afro hair and institutional racism.

I am currently preparing for a career in social research, aiming to join a research team in a civil service department. Outside of volunteering, I enjoy painting, visiting art exhibitions and watching football. I aspire to influence public policy which adds value to people’s everyday lives.

Safeer Shabbir – Planning Volunteer

I’m a recent graduate in Urban Design, Planning and Development, with a strong interest in how places evolve and how good planning can balance growth with environmental protection. I love reading, travelling, and learning about different cultures and landscapes.

Volunteering with CPRE Bucks has deepened my appreciation for the countryside and the importance of safeguarding it for future generations. I’m passionate about exploring sustainable approaches to planning that support both communities and nature.

Sir David Lidington – President 

I’ve lived in Princes Risborough and represented Aylesbury in the House of Commons for nearly 28 years. I have known the Chilterns from boyhood, with memories of family walks in the Chess Valley, camping at Chalfont Heights and scout hikes at Coombe Hill.

I see the strategic challenge facing CPRE as persuading an overwhelmingly urban public of the value of our countryside – in terms of biodiversity, carbon management, recreation, sustainable economic growth and employment, tranquility and mental and spiritual refreshment.