Trust’s new fundraising boss has strong track record

Mark Barkaway, as head of fundraising and communications, will focus on raising the nature conservation organisation’s profile and generating income through grants, donations, memberships, community and corporate fundraising, legacies and appeals.

He has a history of income generation, having spent more than 18 years working in the charity sector.

The aim of the wildlife trust’s fundraising and communications strategy will be long term sustainability and growth.

Mr Barkaway said one of his key aims was to inspire people to enjoy, understand and take action to help conserve wildlife and its vital habitats.

He began his career at a homeless charity and developing youth projects across Sussex, then worked at a national children’s charity, where he helped establish the first Sure Start children’s centres in West Sussex.

He has represented various organisations on national forums at the Department of Education, Department of Communities and the Ministry of Justice.

Mr Barkaway lives in Brighton with his partner and two young children.

He is a keen supporter of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club.

Sussex Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading nature conservation organisation with more than 32,000 members and its headquarters is at Woods Mill, near Small Dole.

As well as leading the conservation agenda in Sussex and providing an environmental education programme to more than 23,000 children, the trust takes care of more than 5,000 acres of prime downland, woodland, wetland and heath, working with landowners, businesses and local communities.

The nature reserve at Woods Mill, in Shoreham Road, has both wetlands and wildlife habitats.

It is one of more than 30 nature reserves across West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton and Hove that are looked after by the wildlife trust.