Trustees
Mike McCart – Chairman
|
Lived on Marley Common for 39 years and longstanding member who contributed to the fundraising campaign to purchase the three Commons in 1998. Recently retired from Southbank Centre in London after 40 years and now a Trustee at the Edward James Foundation which runs West Dean College and Estate.
Chairs the Trustees meetings which take place six times a year. Provides overall leadership of strategic priorities, public education and information and liaison with key agencies including South Downs National Park and the National Trust. Volunteer Co-Ordinator for Marley Heath. |
Christopher Tibbs – Deputy Chair and Chair of Land Management Committee
|
Born in Lynchmere in 1957 and still lives at Bunchfield, the house built by his Grandmother’s Aunts in 1912. Worked for the NHS for 43 years and now one of the Medical Directors for NHS England in the South East Region. Been a member since it was founded in 1990.
Role Deputy Chair and Chair of Land Management Committee which leads on all management plans including heathland, woodland, meadows, orchard and hedgerows. |
|
Anita Martin – Treasurer
|
Lived on Marley Common for 28 years. Qualified as an accountant with Arthur Andersen in 1996. Since then, held finance posts at companies in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector and continues to work part-time for a local marketing consultancy firm. Treasurer and Secretary of the Mabel Grant Trust.
Role The Treasurer who oversees Annual Budgets, Financial Controls, Annual Accounts and Charity Commission Returns |
Peter Searight – Land Management Committee & Art and Nature projects
|
Peter was an Engineering graduate, who transitioned from a 25-year career in industry and finance to being a professional photographer at The Remarkable Studio, capturing Lynchmere's beauty. His award-winning portfolio, featuring 20 years of Commons photography, has earned a Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a BIPP Fellowship. Since 1962.
Peter has been deeply connected to Lynchmere, actively engaging with the Lynchmere Society for 30 years. He is dedicated to linking people with nature to preserve our rare habitats and offer solace from modern life's stresses. Role Land Management Committee member for Lynchmere and Stanley Commons and landscape photography for the website and other channels including leading a photo competition with Camelsdale School’s children and parents. Longer term, Peter will development Art and Nature projects to encourage a wide range of creatives to be inspired by the rare landscape. Whether it be photography, film, painting, poetry or sculpture. |
|
Louise Searight – Volunteer Co-Ordinator
|
Role
Volunteer Co-Ordinator for Lynchmere and Stanley Commons supporting both local and corporate volunteers. |
Mikaela Bancroft – Membership, Digital and Marketing
|
Moved to Marley Lane four years ago. Originally from the Lincolnshire Wolds, but more recently, 24 years near Wandsworth Common in London. Was Head of Design and UX at Times Education (TES). Before that ran her own design agency, launching Annabel Karmel, The Zetter Hotel and many publishing and financial brands.
Role Membership, Digital and Marketing. Role is to communicate all events, transform the website and reaching out into social media. Creates eye catching posters and postcards. Mikaela has modernised what was a spreadsheet based membership into HubSpot. She oversees the database of members and volunteers and communicates to our 450+ members and volunteers. |
|
Land Management Committee
Bruce Middelton
Involved in Lynchmere 30 years ago starting as the Public Rights of Way Officer for both the Sussex Downs Conservation Board and West Sussex County Council. Role as Countryside Ranger meant involvement with the fundraising campaign to purchase the Commons in 1998. Helped bring the Lynchmere Commons and part of Marley Common into a government Stewardship agreement that has enabled the Lynchmere Society to have core funding to manage the land. Recently moved Cornwall to run a smallholding with livestock but returns to the area regularly.
Role Member of the Land Management Committee for Habitats and Biodiversity Management. Completed a baseline habitat survey of the commons in 2024 and led a survey workshop for 30 volunteers. Leading the funding applications under the government’s new ELMS. Leading development of public educational information and wildlife illustrations. Lowell Wolfe
A long standing local resident....
Role In the past he has... |
Who Am I Missing? |
Key TLS Volunteers
Sue Berrisford –Ecological MonitoringSue is assisting us with our Habitat Survey. Liaising with Bruce and a team of volunteers who are undertaking a The Lynchmere Society's fields and commons audit of nature.
|
Mark Allery – Workshops and Orchard Warden
With a wealth of local and historical knowledge and farming techniques mark hosts events such as Bosum Broom and Charcoal Making, alongside being our key career for The Lynchmere Society's Orchard.
|
Judy Rouse – Legacy Stakeholder
Legacy stakeholder and our previous Chair. Judy is our liaison and link with the Parish Council. She has a huge repository of valuable historical knowledge.
|
|
Super Volunteers – We'd be lost without you!
Our Partners
|
|
