The new members join the organisation at a time when green spaces and a healthy local environment come high on the list of essentials during lockdown.
The other appointees are Dr Ilya Maclean, an associate professor of Global Change Biology at the University of Exeter Penryn campus, and Isles of Scilly chief executive Paul Masters.
Martin Howlett, who farms at Luckett, brings a wealth of experience from his farming background, as well as his numerous representative roles, including on the National Farmers’ Union.
.jpeg?width=209&height=140&crop=209:145,smart&quality=75)
He said: “As a farmer, I’m fully committed to support and engage with Cornwall’s natural environment, its communities and its rural economy. In nature, like other areas, we need a can-do approach.”
Ilya Maclean has a strong science and academic background in sustainability. He focuses on both land-based and marine environments. Commenting on his new role, Ilya said: “Cornwall has a great opportunity to reverse declines in wildlife, and to show leadership in how to do this effectively. I am excited by the prospect of helping to shape this process in my role as a board member of the Local Nature Partnership.”
Meanwhile, Paul Masters will ensure that the Isles of Scilly are considered along with the mainland and play their part in a collective effort to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership, Lord Robin Teverson, said: “Our mission is to better our environment and grow our natural world.
“That also adds up to an improvement to people’s lives, not least during lockdown. To rise to that challenge, we have brought new blood onto the board.
“Farming makes up some three-quarters of Cornwall’s land surface. To have thriving wildlife and a living countryside, keeping our farmers on board is essential. Martin Howlett will be a big part of making that happen.
“The environment is a complex mix of many factors and systems. Good scientific advice is vital. That’s why Ilya Maclean’s appointment is so important to us. With Cornwall and Scilly’s long coastlines, his marine experience – as well as land-based expertise – will be a great plus.
“As top officer on the Isles of Scilly, Paul Masters makes sure that the rich environmental heritage of Scilly is kept to the fore at our Partnership meetings.
“This is an important and challenging time for nature and our Partnership. We have to turn the corner and achieve a natural environment that is thriving rather than retreating.”
These three board members will strengthen the already diverse board membership that includes the RSPB, Cornwall Council, the Council of the Isles of Scilly, the Environment Agency, Natural England, and Cornwall and Scilly’s two Wildlife Trusts.