Our Team
We are a committed team made up of staff and Trustees - we care deeply about the communities of the Bay and aim to deliver projects with impact to help the Bay thrive.
Meet the staff
Sarah Mason
Chief Executive
Sarah took up the post of CEO in August 2021, after being CEO of the Wildlife Trust on the Isles of Scilly for 8.5 years & prior to that she was Head of Nature & People at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. Originally from Stockport, & with family roots in West Yorkshire, Sarah has worked in nature conservation and engagement for over 23 years having lived all over the UK and in Spain. Sarah's passion is helping people value our natural environment by spending time outdoors appreciating the wonder of nature. She has been involved in tourism in nature-rich destinations and strives for responsible tourism to be the future of travel in the UK & beyond. Sarah has committed to travel only by public transport in her role, and is encouraging others to do the same. She was drawn to the Bay by its unique sense of place and the opportunities for responsible tourism, active travel & of course the fabulous nature of the Bay.
Michelle Cooper
Team Leader, Engagement & Fundraising
Yorkshire-born Michelle spent 15 years as a curator and manager at a number of museums in Cumbria and north Lancashire before joining the Partnership in 2014. With a background in maritime collections, oral history, exhibitions, schools initiatives, community projects and events, she is passionate about working in collaboration with local communities, organisations and volunteers to create meaningful engagement with heritage, nature and the Morecambe Bay landscape.
Richard Frank
Team Leader, Access and Infrastructure
Richard joined the charity in February 2018. He has significant practical expertise in youth and community engagement, volunteering, regeneration and access. With extensive experience in local government, the charity and private sector's, creating innovative partnerships and managing projects, Richard is focussed on finding ways to encouraging more people to visit and enjoy the Bay by foot or bicycle.
Claire Bradshaw
Archaeology and Heritage Officer
Originally from Yorkshire, Claire joined us in 2020 having spent six years as a community archaeologist in Norfolk. She has a passion for sharing the stories of past people and helping others to explore their heritage. She has a background in organising volunteer training and research projects with a particular interest in hunter-gatherer archaeology.
Claire loves all kinds of outdoor adventures and is happiest when covered in mud.
Teresa Kirk
Supporter Engagement Officer
From Lancashire, Teresa joined us in 2021, with a background in museums, art and design and experience in creatively-led, independent business. Teresa loves wildlife, art, drawing and exploring the Bay's beautiful landscapes by foot or by bike. Teresa is happiest when painting or wildlife-spotting.
Sophie Cringle
Operations Officer
Sophie is passionate about making our heritage accessible for everyone. She joined us in Oct 2012 with an MA in Heritage Management. With a background in heritage marketing, events & project management, she previously worked for the Council for British Archaeology, English Heritage and the Wordsworth Trust. Sophie enjoys spending her free time exploring the lesser known places around Morecambe Bay and the Lakes.
Lauren Munro-Bennett
Blue Mentor, Blue Influencer Scheme
Originally from Cumbria, Lauren has worked with local, environmental focused charities and organisations, in adventure tourism, with young people in government led programmes and in Reablement at Cumbria County Council. Lauren is passionate about encouraging individuals to get outside and enjoy the benefits it has on their mental health, and even runs her own outdoor sports coaching business. She spends as much time as she can in nature and going on adventures - whether that’s running in the mountains, swimming in lakes and tarns, bike touring, climbing, or going on a walk and a litter pick.
Sarah Marshall
Finance Officer
Sarah joined the charity in 2022 as a paid member of staff & has been working in finance all her career. Sarah has worked in both business & charity book-keeping, accounts & financial management.
Joseph Earl
Engagement Officer, Our Future Coast
Joseph joins the team on a part time basis whilst studying towards his PhD in Geography at Lancaster University. Joseph has a background in coastal research and public engagement, bringing a passion for tackling environmental challenges and a love for running, cycling and being by the sea!
Meet the Trustees
Kerry McLoughlin
Chair of Trustees
Kerry was Director of Communications and Resources at the Lake District National Park Authority leading on visitor services for the National Park and has a background in finance and leading organisational change. Kerry was born and bred on Walney Island and loves the landscape of the Bay.
Dr Tom Burditt
Trustee
Tom is Chief Executive Officer for Lancashire Wildlife Trust and has worked in land management, built and natural heritage throughout his career. Previously a General Manager for the National Trust in the Lake District, he has lived around the Bay for over 12 years. He particularly loves music, nature and being active outdoors.
Emma Parsons
Trustee
Emma runs her own Heritage and Culture consultancy business working with organisations across the UK. She was previously Co-Director of Loud in Libraries and Head of Marketing & PR at Imperial War Museum North. She lives in Warton and is a keen Bay walker.
Georgina Young
Trustee
George was born in Barrow-in-Furness and grew up alongside the Bay. She is Head of Collections and Exhibitions for Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester, bringing together nature and culture. George brings her experience of working in museums and heritage for 25 years, beginning with volunteering at Barrow Dock Museum as a teenager.
Amanda Finan
Trustee
Amanda is Finance Business Partner with the National Trust and brings with her a wealth of experience from the corporate and justice sector. Previously, Amanda was Head of Finance and latterly, Head of Corporate Services within the Prison Service.
Mark Holroyd
Vice- Chair of Trustees
Mark is Head of Recreation and Communications (North England) at Forestry England, having previously worked in tourism development, transport and countryside access roles across England’s National Parks. Mark grew up on the Furness peninsula and is passionate about developing authentic visitor experiences which ensure the benefits of tourism are shared with local communities.
Harrison Stewart
Trustee
Harrison is a student at Lancaster University Law School and an aspiring environmental solicitor. Currently on his second sabbatical year, he serves as the elected Vice President (Union Development) of Lancaster University Students’ Union and is Lancaster’s lead delegate to the National Union of Students. Harrison was born and raised in Morecambe and is particularly interested in connecting the youth of the Bay to the area’s heritage, and the wider ecological emergency.
Rosie Saxton
Trustee
Rosie graduated from Lancaster University with a first class honours degree in Geography in 2024. She has been inspired by both her degree and the Morecambe Bay area to make a positive social and environmental contribution to people and places. She is passionate about challenging prejudices towards disability, having previously volunteered in an inclusive performing arts group and being hard of hearing herself. Rosie continues to be an active member of the Board whilst studying for a Masters degree in London.
Helen Kemp
Trustee
Information to follow