Rob takes over as regional director

Jun 5 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

ROB Aubrook has been appointed as the new regional director of Natural England.

Mr Aubrook, who has worked for the organisation for three years and has lived in the North East since 2000, takes over the role from Martyn Howat, who has been appointed as the organisation’s first director for the Uplands.

“The North East is home to me and my family, so I’m very passionate about the region,” said Mr Aubrook.

“I’m excited about being able to take a leading role in ensuring that Natural England is central to the protection and enhancement of the natural environment of the North East.

“We have a fantastic natural environment here and the region should be shouting much louder about what makes this area so special.”

He aims to use his background in agriculture and the environment to help the region meet its “immense potential” to boost public participation and access to the natural environment.

He said: “It’s a sad fact that less than a quarter of children today visit a patch of nature near their home on a weekly basis, compared with over half of adults who visited a local nature patch weekly when they were young.

“Inspiring people – especially children – to experience, enjoy and understand the natural world is a priority for us.”