Nature conservationist, business leader and scientist Dr Richard Young has begun his new role as Chief Executive Officer of Beaver Trust.
Previously the Managing Director of Nature Positive Ltd, Richard brings with him a wealth of ecological and conservation expertise, an in-depth ecological knowledge and a strong scientific and practical background.
“I’ve worked in nature conservation, sustainability and biodiversity science for the past 25 years. I see the large-scale restoration of beavers as a generational opportunity to have a transformative impact on nature and climate change resilience in Britain.”
Richard joins at a pivotal moment, with wild releases progressing in England and the Welsh Government announcing that beavers will be recognised as a native species – a significant step forward for their recovery in Wales.
Excited to be starting his new role, Richard says:
“I am thrilled to be the new CEO of Beaver Trust and to help build on the team’s impressive work to date to restore beavers across Britain. I look forward to working closely with partners, communities and land users to ensure we can successfully live alongside beavers as they regenerate our rivers and landscapes.”
Reflecting on why he’s particularly passionate about beavers, Richard adds:
I regularly paddleboard on the River Avon near Bath to watch my local population since their return in the late 2010s. I am even more passionate about what beavers represent. They are agents of change, and their emergent recovery points the way to a more hopeful future of wilder, healthier and more awe-inspiring riverscapes that will enrich people’s lives and benefit wider society.
Richard’s role will see him lead Beaver Trust and its rapidly growing team into its next chapter, strengthening partnerships across Scotland, England and Wales as beaver restoration gathers pace nationwide.