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Press release: Cornwall Wildlife Trust announces new Chairman

For the first time this century, Cornwall Wildlife Trust has entered a new year without its charismatic Chairman Howard Curnow as head of the board of Trustees. Howard has chosen to step down after 13 years in the post, although he will continue to play an active role as a Trustee. 

A familiar figure at many a gathering, often dressed in his trademark Curnow tartan kilt, he has been involved in the running of the Trust since 1976. Always keen to take on a major organisational challenge, his highest-profile actions have included staging a flag dance by Cornish children at the UN Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen, in 2009. The aim of the performance was to draw attention to an issue that will affect our children more than us. 

As well as being a force for nature, he has worked tirelessly to promote Cornwall. In 1991 he restored the ancient traditional pilgrimage to St Piran’s Oratory as an annual event. He has also travelled the world giving presentations and setting up Cornish Societies. Howard is now looking forward to spending more time with his wife Elizabeth, following the couple’s marriage in October last year, and to enjoying life at an easier pace. 

Elected as Howard’s replacement is Trustee Mark Nicholson, who has served on CWT’s governing Council for the last ten years. Prior to that, Mark was a Trust employee for twelve years – most recently as its Education and Publicity Manager.  

A trained zoologist, with a particular specialism in amphibians and reptiles, he changed career direction in 2002 to become an industrial writer. In 2012 he set up his own business, Mark Nicholson Copywriting. 

“I feel tremendously honoured to have been asked to take on this task,” he says. “Howard Curnow will be a very hard act to follow but I am very excited by the thought of what lies ahead.” 

He adds, “One of my main objectives will be to ensure that the voices of the Trustees, staff, volunteers and members are properly heard in the Trust’s decision-making. We have a huge amount of talent, knowledge and commitment at our disposal and we need to use those resources to the best possible effect in conserving Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places.”

For information on Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s work, and on how to become a member, visit www.cornwallwildifetrust.org.uk.