Who we are

James manages the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Low Carbon Technologies and Bioenergy at the University of Leeds, where he leads work on renewable energy research and education. He’s also a skilled science communicator, known for creating visualisations of scientific research and engaging the public in the transition to a low-carbon future.

Alison is a retired language teacher, lecturer, teacher trainer and translator. She helped coordinate the Woodland Trust’s successful 1992 appeal to protect land in Nidd Gorge, bringing decades of educational and community experience to her role.

George is a creative who is interested about how people, culture and landscape hold together. His work grows from a deep respect for place and the belief that the health of place and community are inseparable. He’s interested in how heritage, imagination and ecology can work side by side to restore balance and belonging.

Graeme is a salesman with a background in design and keen interest in gardening.

An allotment holder taking a naturalistic style of organic growing, Graeme has a keen interest in top fruits and is a member of the Northern Fruit Group.

Mark is a retired occupational therapist with extensive experience in the NHS and local government. He founded ORB Community Arts in Knaresborough and has served as a town councillor and former Deputy Mayor, combining health, arts and civic insight in his work.

Shan has worked across education and international development, including 30 months in Uganda with ActionAid and the Forum of Education NGOs. Formerly a senior education officer for Humberside and York Councils, she helped to found Voice International CIC to promote smaller and unheard voices. She holds an MSc in Education for Sustainability.

Rick is a third-generation landowner within the Nidd Gorge catchment and a founding member of Nidd Gorge Community Action Group and HALT. A woodland owner and local business partner, he brings deep practical knowledge of land management and community stewardship to the team.

Geoff, brought up on a farm, studied Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Nottingham University and trained on a biodynamic farm in Sweden. He later spent seven years as Head Gardener at Norton Conyers near Ripon, where he developed the two-acre walled garden and established a pick-your-own fruit enterprise. He brings over 45 years of horticultural experience to the project.

Ben has been a Harrogate resident since 2012. A keen cyclist and local business owner, he became involved with the Nidd Gorge Community Action group in order to protect Harrogate's green spaces. He provides IT and other digital skills for the team.

Chris has been the Secretary of Long Lands Common Ltd since our foundation in 2020, guiding the society through its inception and initial community share sale to successfully raise the funds to buy Long Lands Common and build a membership base of 3000 people.

Trish has lived in Bilton all her life and has been part of Long Lands Common since its beginning. A local business owner and landowner, she played an active role in the campaign against the proposed relief road and continues to advocate for protecting Harrogate’s green spaces.

Niall (pronounced Neil), recently retired, is an Assistant Scout Leader at 23rd Harrogate Scouts and a Volunteer librarian / manager at Starbeck Community Library.

As the co-opted Lead for Long Lands Common Niall became actively involved in the site initially as a Site Ranger and then more regularly as a member of the midweek site maintenance team. He sits on the Ranger Co-ordinators team and the Commoners committee, whose role is to represent the active members of LLC however they participate.

Linda is Director of Veloheads, an organisation which aims to support young people to develop skills for life and for work through a two-year programme including functional skills and qualifications and work placements.