We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.New head for RSPB
THE RSPB’s current director of operations is to succeed Sir Graham Wynne at the head of the organisation.
Dr Mike Clarke will take over as chief executive of the RSPB, which he became a member of as a 14-year-old in 1975, at the end of May.
Dr Clarke described his new post as a ‘special role’ and said the RSPB was in ‘great shape’ to tackle the ‘huge’ challenges the natural world faces.
“I want the RSPB to be at the heart of renewal of our precious natural world, the stakes are high and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he said.
He paid tribute to his predecessor, who is stepping down after 23 years in senior management at the RSPB. “It’s been a privilege to work closely with Sir Graham over the last 12 years. His contribution to the RSPB and nature conservation has been immense,” Dr Clarke.
Sir Graham said he was ‘delighted’ with the appointment. “‘Mike has come through a gruelling recruitment process with his vision for the RSPB and his passion for the natural world shining through. He’s been at the sharp end of nature conservation for all of his career and his record of delivery is second to none, the RSPB will thrive under his leadership,” he said.
As director of operations, Dr Clarke has been responsible for delivering the charity’s work across much of the UK over the last 11 years. During the 1990’s he was the RSPB’s regional director for South East England and London.
He has a scientific background encompassesing post-graduate and professional experience of plant and animal ecology, soil science, geology, hydrology, and climate change.
The NFU said it was looking forward to working with Dr Clarke. NFU President Peter Kendall said: “It is true to say that the two organisations have not always seen eye-to-eye but we appreciate the need to work together on important projects such as the Campaign for the Farmed Environment.
“I look forward to working with Dr Clarke and hope we can steer our respective organisations onto a firmer, more positive footing that ensures the continued success of the Campaign for the Farmed Environment.”
