Meet the team
Gary
Forester
Before joining Raise, Gary previously worked within the private forest management sector in South Scotland & North England. He has experience in commercial and mixed estates and has been involved in the establishment of new woodlands and the long-term management of productive woodlands. Before crossing the border, Gary studied Woodland Ecology and Conservation BSc (Hons) at the National School of Forestry in Ambleside and he is happy to now return to the county where his passion for woodlands began. Outside of work he enjoys climbing, running and fell walking with his partner and Arty the sprocker spaniel.
James
Director
Before joining Raise, James enjoyed a 28-year career working in theatre and the third sector. He moved to the Lake District in 1999 to join the newly opened Theatre By The Lake, Keswick before ultimately becoming its Chief Executive. James is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, and has expertise in leading people, programmes and organisations, particularly during periods of change. Outside of work, he can be mostly found pottering; in his workshop, around his garden and at the side of broken-down motorbikes (mostly in the rain).
Zoe
Data and Insights Manager
Zoe grew up in North Cumbria before spending ten formative years in Glasgow immersed in arts, culture and community-focused projects. Drawn towards the relationships between people, environment, agriculture, trees and sustainability led her to study Agroforestry at Bangor University, Wales – where she learnt more about the social dimensions of woodland, both on and off farms. Her original training in Communication Design at the Glasgow School of Art and work as a freelance artist, administrator and bookkeeper underpins her interest in people, perception and making things happen. In her spare time, Zoe can be found thinking, writing and ambling along back lonnings or the coastline.
Nathan
Woodland Creation Advisor
Formerly a bicycle mechanic, Nathan joined Raise after finishing his degree in Woodland Ecology and Conservation at the University of Cumbria. He has pursued a career in woodland creation, seeing the value of increasing access to green spaces for all communities, as well as the environmental and economic benefits that trees can bring. Outside of work Nathan enjoys bike rides, among other outdoor activities, and particularly those that involve cafes.
Isobel
Programme Manager
A Project Manager, Coach, and Leader, Isobel worked across communities in North East England and Scotland’s Orkney Islands before joining Raise in Cumbria. With a background in Geography and International Law, she is interested in the connections we have with our environment as individuals and communities, and empowering access and sustainable development. In addition to her charity roles Isobel has also been a Fire Fighter, Island Airfield Attendant, Coastguard Rescue Officer, and Bartender! When not at work, Isobel spends her time on long dog walks, tending her herb garden, sewing, baking, reading, and playing the piano badly.
Ruth
Woodland Creation Officer
Ruth came to Raise with 18 years of experience creating species-rich woodland and managing for productivity and biodiversity. She is passionate about improving opportunities in forestry for marginalised groups. She has hosted trainees on the Royal Forestry Society’s Forestry Roots programme and contributed to Landworkers’ Alliance Women and Gender Marginalised in Forestry events. She is a second-language Welsh speaker and enjoys playing violin in community music groups.
Arty
Supaw-visor, Planting Support, Professional Stick Fetcher
Arty is a Sprocker Spaniel born in Penrith to a working family farm. His previous roles include chaser of things, ‘forest dog’ of South Scotland and part time model. Arty currently works as volunteer support officer for Raise and the Community Forest and enjoys long walks, fetch and locating muddy puddles.