Our Vision
Regrowing the Commons
Our History
This is a space to share more about the business: who's behind it, what it does and what this site has to offer. It’s an opportunity to tell the story behind the business or describe a special service or product it offers. You can use this section to share the company's history or highlight a particular feature that sets it apart from competitors.
Let the writing speak for itself. Keep a consistent tone and voice throughout the website to stay true to the brand image and give visitors a taste of the company’s values and personality.
Our Vision
This is a space to share more about the business: who's behind it, what it does and what this site has to offer. It’s an opportunity to tell the story behind the business or describe a special service or product it offers. You can use this section to share the company's history or highlight a particular feature that sets it apart from competitors.
Our Team
This is a space to share more about the business: who's behind it, what it does and what this site has to offer. It’s an opportunity to tell the story behind the business or describe a special service or product it offers. You can use this section to share the company's history or highlight a particular feature that sets it apart from competitors.
Let the writing speak for itself. Keep a consistent tone and voice throughout the website to stay true to the brand image and give visitors a taste of the company’s values and personality.
Team
Meet the passionate individuals behind Knaresborough Forest who are dedicated to the rewilding project and connecting the community with nature. Their expertise and commitment drive our mission forward.
Events, Director
Mark Flood
Retired Occupational Therapist with clinical and managerial experience of working for the NHS and Local Government. Founder of ORB Community Arts in Knaresborough, Renaissance Knaresborough Committee Member, Town Councillor & Former Deputy Mayor for Knaresborough.
Membership, Director
Alison Organ
Retired language teacher, lecturer, teacher trainer and translator. Coordinator of successful Woodland Trust Appeal to buy land in Nidd Gorge in 1992.
Estates, Director
Trish Sanders
Trish has lived in Bilton all her life. A local business owner and landowner, she was involved in the campaign against the “relief road”, and has been involved with Long Lands Common since the beginning.
Finance, Director
Bill Rigby
Former teacher and education officer with Lincolnshire and Humberside Councils. Extensive experience at senior level in Africa in agriculture, university education and development policy. Chair of Knaresborough Civic Society, Co-Founder of Voice International, former Mayor of Knaresborough.
Communications, Director
Shan Oakes
Former teacher then senior education officer for Humberside and York Councils. Spent 30 months living and working in Uganda for Action Aid and FENU – Forum of Education NGOs Uganda. Helped set up Voice International to promote smaller or unheard voices. MSc in Education for Sustainability. Knaresborough Town Councillor, also Councillor on Scriven Parish Council.
Estates, Director
Geoff Freeston
Former Head Gardener at Norton Conyers, Ripon, founder of Horticap, specialist in horticulture for people with learning difficulties. 45 years’ experience in horticulture.
Estates, Director
Rick Brewis
Local 3rd generation landowner within the Nidd Gorge catchment area, woodland owner & business partner, founding committee member of Nidd Gorge Community Action Group & HALT.
Creative, Director
George Eglese
Designer, photographer, Trustee for YHACS and an associate of the Institute of Place Management.