About Us
Our Story
As is so often the case, this journey began sat around a coffee table wondering how to address the following concerns:
How to bring people whose interests and priorities should align but do not seem to, together for the common good.
How to assist possible decision makers who do not live or work in the uplands or lowlands to understand these unique landscapes and their communities, flora and fauna.
As people with a deep affection for British wildlife and rural communities, how to ensure their future as some of the last strongholds for some of Britain’s best-loved species.
From that gathering Why Moorlands Matter was born and from there Why Lowlands Matter flourished.
What we hope to achieve?
To bring together people from different walks of life and mindsets for harmonising an inclusive approach for protecting Britain’s landscapes, wildlife and communities…
We are often asked what we achieve with our events and the good news is we can achieve success in many different ways. Introductions between people from which good things evolve, decision makers having a greater understanding of the uplands and/or lowlands and their communities, addressing myths about wildlife and what it requires to survive and flourish.
However, if any of our guests return home and enter into a discussion about such matters, they will now be able to say ‘well actually… I have been, and seen it with my own eyes and …’, that is an achievement in itself compared to them not knowing.
Our volunteers
Tarquin Millington-Drake
The main founder of Conservation Communication and the events that come under its umbrella. As the author/photographer of two books, one about the uplands and one about wild grey partridges, he has spent considerable time observing the fortunes of Britain’s countryside.
Simon Lester
Simon was a professional gamekeeper for nearly 40 years. Beginning his career on lowland reared-bird shoots, he was Head keeper at Holkham Estate in North Norfolk and then Head keeper at the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project in Dumfriesshire —which aimed to restore driven grouse-shooting while conserving hen harriers.
Emily Graham
Grew up in the heart of the north Pennies in Weardale and has worked in the uplands in the hospitality industry since childhood. Now runs a marketing and PR business looking after local businesses. She has spent extensive time photographing and filming the flora and fauna of the uplands.
Ian Coghill
Ian was born in the industrial West Midlands into a multi-family three up, two
down household. He spent most of his life working for Birmingham City Council. He joined the Game and Wildlife Trust in 1996 and became Chairman from 2010 to 2018. More recently he is the author of the acclaimed 2021 book, Moorland Matters.
Caz Raine
Caz grew up on a dairy farm in South Cumbria. After completing a degree in Agriculture and Farm Bus Man, she began working for the NFU as a Group Secretary and Insurance Agent. She now lives on an upland beef and sheep farm north of Penrith, with her husband and twin girls and has set up Cumbria Rural Ltd, her own Farm Consultancy.
David Scott
David Scott is a Devon based Artist/photographer working in all mediums. He travels widely around the globe studying his subjects . He is also A licensed BTO ringer and lifelong nest finder specialising in monitoring and observing nests around the world. In short he eats, sleeps & breathes nature daily