Ecologist and Strategic Advisor Phil Heads Appointed New Chair of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Heads as its new Chair of the Board of Trustees. A seasoned ecologist and strategic advisor, Dr. Heads brings a wealth of experience in environmental research, policy, and governance to this leadership role. He holds a doctorate in ecology, a master’s in business administration and brings considerable experience of governance and leadership.  He takes over from Mark Street, who served as Chair for seven years and made tremendous contributions to the Trust's growth and impact.

With a distinguished career spanning academia and government, Phil has held positions with the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and the Natural Environment Research Council (now part of the science funding body UK Research and Innovation) with responsibility for Strategy and Evidence.  His expertise will be instrumental in guiding the Trust's mission to protect and enhance Wiltshire's natural environment.

A dedicated advocate for wildlife conservation, Phil has been a member of Wiltshire Wildlife Trusts for over four decades. His spiritual home is on the chalk downs with skylarks singing above. Now retired from full-time work, he is eager to dedicate more time to improving the health of Wiltshire’s environment for the benefit of both nature and people. A resident near Swindon, Phil joined WWT’s Conservation Policy Committee in 2021, then was elected as a Trustee in 2023 and Chair in 2024. 

Phil Heads, Chair of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said:

“I’m excited and honoured to be elected as Chair of an organisation that works for and with everyone in Wiltshire and Swindon to promote nature recovery for people’s wellbeing whilst helping us live and do business more sustainably.

We face complex and interlinked environmental, social and economic challenges such as: climate change; biodiversity loss; environmental pollution and degradation; poor public health; low economic productivity and growth.  Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is committed to working in partnership with local communities, public bodies and private interests to deliver nature-based solutions that work for everyone.

I'd like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Mark Street, who wisely guided the Trust through a period of growth and development for 7 years. Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and Avian Bird Flu, the Trust delivered a whole series of major projects and successful outcomes for nature, people, and local economies under his chairmanship."

Jo Lewis, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Phil Heads as our new Chair. His strategic vision and deep commitment to working through partnerships will be invaluable as we navigate the complex challenges facing Wiltshire's wildlife. We look forward to working with him to restore nature’s abundance and connect people with nature in our special county.”

This appointment comes at an important time for Wiltshire's wildlife and natural spaces. The Trust is committed to addressing the challenges posed by climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline. With the new Chair’s leadership, the Trust is well-positioned to make significant strides in its conservation efforts, strengthen community engagement, and help forge new relationships with stakeholders through the Local Nature Partnerships to create a more sustainable future for Wiltshire.