1 October 2007
Dartmoor National Park Authority new Chief Executive
A new Chief Executive (National Park Officer) takes up his post with Dartmoor National Park Authority on Monday 1 October 2007, following the retirement of Dr Nick Atkinson after 33 years service, of which almost 17 years have been as Chief Executive with the Authority.
 | Dr Kevin Bishop was born in the west country, and has worked in Wales for the last 17 years, most recently as Director for Environment and Regeneration at the Welsh Local Government Association. He has a degree in geography, an advanced diploma in environmental planning and a PhD in land management. No stranger to National Parks, he is a member of the World Commission for Protected Areas and has undertaken a number of research projects on protected areas including provision of advice to Scottish Natural Heritage on the establishment of National Parks in Scotland and research work for Dartmoor National Park Authority on sustainability and social inclusion. For the last three years he has served on the Countryside Council for Wales and was also a member of the Council for National Parks Welsh Advisory Group and RSPB’s Committee for Wales. He is married with two children and is a keen walker, mountain biker and gardener. |
Kevin Bishop said:
‘I am looking forward to the challenge of being the new Chief Executive for Dartmoor National Park Authority - it is my dream job but I also realise that I have to turn that dream into a reality. My aim is to ensure that the National Park Authority helps to maintain the National Park as a living landscape where people and nature exist in harmony and where there is a positive relationship between landscape and livelihood.’
Nigel Hoskin, Chairman, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said:
‘Nick Atkinson's 33 years with the National Park Authority have been marked by boundless commitment, dedication and enthusiasm for Dartmoor and its people. As National Park Officer and Chief Executive since 1991 his wisdom and experience have been fundamental to what has been an outstanding contribution, not only to Dartmoor but also to the family of National Parks throughout the country. Nick leaves office with Dartmoor National Park in a strong position to thrive in the testing times ahead. He also leaves an unparalleled spirit of teamwork and shared purpose amongst the many who live and work on Dartmoor and those who use and enjoy all that the National Park has to offer. This achievement owes much to his own style and values, and he will be greatly missed by all who have worked with and for him.’
‘With this record in mind, I am delighted that we have secured such a worthy successor in the form of Dr Kevin Bishop. Most of those working for the Authority have already met Kevin and his delight at the opportunities presented by his new appointment has been evident for all to see. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a determination to do the very best for Dartmoor and its communities in the years ahead.’
Ends
For Further Information
John Weir, Head of Head of Education, Information and Communication Service
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site. Agendas are placed on the Authority's web site 7 days in advance of the meetings.
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Notes for Editors
National Parks cover 10% of the land area of England, Wales and Scotland. They are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 33,500 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
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This page last updated 1 October 2007
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Page updated 27 September 2007
