Our Team

James Platts, Chief Executive FRSA

I believe the environment is key to all we do; we need to value the environment for the societal and economic benefits it gives each and every one of us. Access to a diverse, linked environment helps people from all walks of life grow physically and mentally.  

My time working for South West Lakes Trust has been really rewarding, whether teaching a blind lady to sail at Roadford Lake, helping the wardens with fishing competitions at Porth Reservoir, managing the installation of new accessible trails at Siblyback Lake, or more recently working to improve habitats across our sites.

As Chief Executive, I want to support the work of our teams to care for the environment and ensure as many people as possible can benefit from accessing the outdoors. I live on the Devon - Cornwall border with my wife and two children and enjoy sailing with my family on the river Tamar and on our lakes. I am a firm believer that education unlocks the world and I continue to support this through the education projects our charity delivers.

Colin Vallance, Heritage and Governance Director

I love the variety of being involved in such a dynamic charity which combines my passion for the countryside with the opportunity to make a difference for people. I have had the privilege of working in many roles within the Trust since 2000, overseeing the governance, marketing, communications and central support services of the organisation, as well as heading up the subsidiary charity, Wheal Martyn Trust. Wheal Martyn celebrates and makes accessible the heritage of one of Cornwall’s most important industries, in such a special and unique place – I am continually inspired by the dedication and passion of our wonderful volunteers who help make this happen.

Lesley Whitworth, Chief Financial Officer 

I love working here. Every day I come into work and learn something new: how to tackle invasive plants in my garden, how to identify different birds and butterflies that visit our lakes, the fascinating history of the clay industry in Cornwall and that there are some big fish lurking at the bottom of our lakes! I have recently purchased two paddleboards, so I am looking forward to spending some quality family time at the lakes, camping and splashing around!

Neil Reeves, Director of Visitor Experience 

“It’s not a bad office you’ve got!”

You only need to look out over one of our lakes on a sunny day to understand why I do what I do. This, combined with a passion for the natural world and encouraging people of all ages and abilities to enjoy and learn from it fills me with enthusiasm. I love living on Dartmoor with my family and working to deliver Conservation, Access & Recreation across the lakes of the South West with simply “the best” team of staff and volunteers is a real privilege. 

Matt Lennox, Visitor Experience Manager, Central

Matt Loughlin, Visitor Experience Manager, West

Luke Hoather, Visitor Experience Manager, Exmoor

Jon Morley, Visitor Experience Manager, Bournemouth

Ian Morgan, Head of NCS

I am really happy to be working with such a great charity, full of such enthusiasm for what they do. Bringing NCS into this environment is a great opportunity for me and I am really looking forward to seeing as many programmes as possible get under way here at the Lakes. I have no doubt the young people that take part in the NCS journey we offer, will be back to enjoy our lakes long after their programmes finish.

Ashley Bunning, Head of Angling

Nicola Morris, Head of Environment

Emma Scotney, Ecologist

Working at South West Lakes Trust takes me all over the south west. No two weeks are ever the same or at the same sites. I spend most of my time recording and monitoring different species (like birds, bats and dormice) and monitoring and managing habitats. My role aims to understand the diversity and importance of our lakes and reservoirs for nature and people.

When I’m not at work I’m usually outdoors with binoculars glued to my face!

Alan Smith, Senior Ranger (Roadford, Tamar and North Devon) 

Kit Hancock, Senior Ranger (East)