Tim is the Project Director for the Connecting the Culm project and the Manager of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership. The Blackdown Hills AONB is one of 34 nationally designated landscapes, alongside National Parks.

Tim’s role is to take an overview of the project and work closely with the whole team to make sure the project is on-track in terms of budget and work programme. Keeping an eye on the future and ‘horizon scanning’ for future funding is also important, along with an on-going assessment of risks to the project and the team dynamics. Tim reports directly to the project Steering Group that is made up of funders, key partners and members of the AONB Partnership Management Group.

The Culm Catchment Officer is a new post created as part of the Devon-wide Devon County Council project called “Managing Big Problems in Small Places”. Lucy will be working with local landowners and communities in six target locations across the Culm catchment (Halberton, Culmstock, Hemyock, Weaver, Lyner and Kentisbeare) to identify areas requiring improved flood resilience and potential opportunities for nature-based solutions to help reduce flooding.

Lucy has previously worked for Natural England as a Farm Adviser and grew up in the Culm Valley.

Dominic’s role is to support the development of the Blueprint and the process of engaging people with it, especially organisations and community groups.

Dominic’s background is in countryside management and connecting people with nature. He specialises in project development, community-based enterprises and fundraising for social and environmental purposes.

Clare’s role is to provide communications advice and support for the Connecting the Culm project and help promote the work of the project through Blackdown Hills AONB’s communication channels including the website, e-newsletter, events guide, print and broadcast media, and social media.