New Chief Executive for the Commons!

Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators Appoint
a New Chief Executive

The Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators are pleased to announce the appointment of the new Chief Executive, Colin Cooper, effective from 1 September 2023.

Taking over from Steve Bound who relocated to the Lake District earlier this year, Colin joins us from Habitats & Heritage, a charity that cares for the natural and historic environment and climate in southwest London, where he served as Chief Executive for 12 years, including time with its predecessor organisations.

Colin brings with him a wide knowledge of environmental and biodiversity issues, as well as experience of working with fragile and rare habitats.

Chairman of the Conservators, Diane Neil Mills, commented “We are delighted that Colin has joined the team on the Commons and the Conservators very much look forward to working with him.  Colin brings a fresh approach to managing the Commons, engaging with the local community and building the resilience that the Commons need to ensure they thrive in the face of future challenges.”

Colin grew up in Cambridgeshire, where weekends were spent visiting various nature reserves in East Anglia, including Wicken Fen, Fowlmere, Lakenheath, Minsmere and The Lodge, as well as volunteering in his local park helping with litter-picking and making and putting up bird boxes. Colin has lived in southwest London for 22 years and for most of that time has worked and volunteered with various environmental charities.

On taking up his role, Colin commented “The Commons have always been a special place for me with its abundance and diversity of interesting and rare species and habitats, rich heritage whilst supporting so many community uses and sports. I feel very privileged to have joined the dedicated and passionate team at Wimbledon and Putney Commons and I am looking forward to meeting and working with the charity's stakeholders and, with my partner Leah, becoming part of the community.”