New CEO Appointed by Commons Conservators


Colin Cooper previously ran an environmental charity


Colin Cooper. Picture: LinkedIn

September 5, 2023

Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators have announced that a new Chief Executive has been appointed.

Colin Cooper took up the role at the beginning of this month. He was previously the CEO of Habitats & Heritage, a charity that cares for the natural and historic environment and climate in southwest London.

He had ran the charity and predecessor organisations for 12 years and has a wide knowledge of environmental and biodiversity issues, as well as experience of working with fragile and rare habitats, along with volunteer/community engagement.

He replaces Stephen Bound, who left the organisation in May of this year to relocate to the Lake District.

Mr Cooper grew up in Cambridgeshire, where weekends were spent visiting various nature reserves in East Anglia, including Wicken Fen, Fowlmere, Lakenheath, Minsmere and The Lodge, as well as volunteering in his local park helping with litter-picking and making and
putting up bird boxes.

He has lived in southwest London for 22 years and for most of that time has worked and volunteered with various environmental charities.

On taking up his role, he commented, “The Commons have always been a special place for me with its abundance and diversity of interesting and rare species and habitats, rich heritage whilst supporting so many community uses and sports. I feel very privileged to have joined
the dedicated and passionate team at Wimbledon and Putney Commons and I am looking forward to meeting and working with the charity's stakeholders, and with my partner Leah, becoming part of the community.”

Chairman of the Conservators, Diane Neil Mills, said, “We are delighted that Colin has joined the team on the Commons and the Conservators very much look forward to working with him. Colin will bring a fresh approach to managing the Commons, engaging with the
local community and building the resilience the Commons need to ensure they thrive in the face of future challenges, yet remain at the heart of the community.”


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