Goodbyes and new beginnings

As Anna Taylor steps down, we welcome Malcolm Goodwin as the new CPRE London CEO

This month, after over three years, we are sad to announce that Anna Taylor is leaving CPRE London. In her time at the helm, she has overseen some fantastic wins and brilliant work and we are hugely grateful for her efforts.

Bright future

We’ve had successes in protecting green spaces, including Oakfield playing fields and Finsbury Leisure Centre. And the promise of new ones, like St Johns Street Park. We have also enhanced existing spaces, with our Hedgerow Heroes project, which enabled 2,698 metres of hedgerow to be planted or restored in 29 locations.

There have been new launches – the Green Defenders Network and the London Tree Ring project are just two. Plus, CPRE London has worked with JustSpace to develop an action plan for the housing crisis. But Anna has also been instrumental in building the volunteer workforce and creating a new strategy to make sure the future is bright for CPRE London.

“I’m very proud of the work we’ve done together – I’ve learned a huge amount and enjoyed it,” says Anna. “But I feel the time has come to take a break. We have really strong staff, trustee and volunteer teams in place and I’m confident you’ll continue to achieve an incredible amount on limited resource to make London greener and healthier for all.”

New era

Following in Anna’s footsteps is Malcolm Goodwin, who we are delighted to introduce as the new CEO of CPRE London. Malcolm brings with him a passion for the natural environment and extensive experience from a varied career. This has spanned IT, looking after farms, gardens, woodlands and landscapes, leading a further education college dedicated to the natural environment and running a youth work charity.

“I strongly believe that green space, especially in cities like London, has never been more important,” says Malcolm. “It is vital that we continue to help London sustain a well-planned, high-quality network of green and blue spaces centred around the needs of individuals, communities and the city as a whole.

“I do not underestimate the scale of the challenge ahead, especially for a relatively small charity, but I also recognise the power of good people with a shared passion doing great things for the natural environment in London. It’s a privilege and pleasure to join the talented, committed and passionate team of trustees, colleagues and volunteers at CPRE London.”

Read our interview with Malcolm here