Leadership Team
The Leadership Team supports the members with expertise across a range of disciplines including conservation, recreation, planning, resources and communications.
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| Alison Barnes, Chief Executive Alison joined the New Forest National Park Authority from Natural England, where she was Regional Director for London and organisational lead on landscape and green infrastructure. She was a key member of the leadership team that bought together English Nature, the Countryside Agency and the Rural Development Service to create Natural England following the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act of 2006. Earlier in her career Alison was Head of Advocacy for English Nature, using her expertise on the natural environment to advise Government on engaging with local and regional partnerships. She was also responsible for the organisation’s work in Parliament, Whitehall and Europe, including the passage of the NERC Act. Alison has also worked for the RSPB in Scotland and for Dumfries and Galloway Council. She enjoys bringing diverse interests together to find innovative solutions where it may seem difficult. Examples include working with open-cast miners in Scotland on conservation schemes and promoting access to green spaces in London, notably through the development of East London and the Olympic Park. Alison is a Commissioner for the Mayor of London’s Sustainable Development Commission and has been appointed to the Regional Advisory Committee of the Forestry Commission. Alison grew up in nearby Wimborne, Dorset. She was inspired to follow a biological science (Oxford) and a conservation degree (UCL) by her time spent on the Forest and exploring the heathlands and coasts of the area.In her spare time, she enjoys sailing and walking, especially around the Solent and along the south coast. She plays the flute and likes to engage in community music projects, particularly with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. |
 | Steve Avery, Director of Park Services Steve joined the New Forest National Park Authority as Head of Development Control in 2006. Prior to joining the National Park Steve spent eight years working as a Principal Planner with New Forest District Council. Steve has also previously worked for other local planning authorities in Essex and Cornwall. As Director of Park Services, Steve leads the Authority’s planning team as well as the Authority’s other statutory functions in relation to the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment, cultural heritage, access to the countryside and preparation of the National Park Management Plan. Steve currently chairs the Royal Town Planning Institute’s Management Board and Activities Committee for the South East Region. |
 | Oliver Reichardt, Director of Delivery and Performance As Director of Delivery and Performance, Oliver leads a variety of teams within the Authority. This includes the Communications; Community and Visitor Services; and Project Delivery functions, as well as the Business Services and ICT functions. He also leads on business planning, organisational development and stakeholder engagement. |
