Suffolk Wildlife Trust is Suffolk’s nature charity with 49 nature reserves across the county. It aims to connect people with nature, to foster care and understanding of Suffolk’s wildlife, to improve Suffolk for nature and to act as a strong voice for wildlife in the county. 

Christine leads the charity at a time when nature and the environment worldwide is under more pressure than ever.   

Christine Luxton comments: “Suffolk Wildlife Trust has a far-sighted, people-centred approach to nature conservation. I am delighted and honoured to take the charity towards the wilder Suffolk we all need and yearn for. I believe that everyone, no matter where they live in Suffolk, has a part to play to make positive change happen from the ground up. We can, together, safeguard our rare species, provide natural solutions to the climate crisis and restore the abundance of nature that we have lost from our lives. 

It is Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s local knowledge, the support of our local communities and being a ‘doing’ organisation that makes such a difference for wildlife. With the urgency of the biodiversity and climate crisis and the need to reconnect people with nature, county-level conservation can lead the change. We have achieved so much already, but there is much more still to do, and we’re ready for the challenge.” 

Christine’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the Trust, which will be opening its impressive new Visitor Centre at Carlton Marshes, near Lowestoft, in September. This follows a successful £4.1 million Heritage Lottery grant, match-funded through members and supporters. As the gateway to the southern Broads National Park, Carlton Marshes is an ambitious, landscape-scale project which will not only be a fabulous wildlife experience but will also be one of the most accessible nature reserves in the country. 

Nigel Farthing, Chair of the Board of Trustees said, “I am delighted to announce that Christine Luxton has been appointed CEO of Suffolk Wildlife Trust. We look forward to the next era for the Trust confident in the knowledge that it will be led with passion, vision and integrity." 

Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves have remained open for local enjoyment and have proved to be a huge solace for many people. It’s clear that open spaces and access to wild places have positive mental-health benefits, and that reconnecting with nature is hugely beneficial to both wildlife and people.

The unwavering support of Suffolk Wildlife Trust members enables the organisation to continue working towards a wilder future for everyone in Suffolk.