The Chilterns National Landscape welcomes new Head of Programmes

Date: 06th November 2026

We are delighted to welcome Louise Hartley to the Chilterns National Landscape team as our new Head of Programmes.

Louise brings more than 15 years’ experience in the environmental sector, having delivered complex, multi-disciplinary projects for organisations including WSP, Earthwatch Europe, the Zoological Society of London, CPRE Buckinghamshire, and Wildlife and Countryside Link. Her expertise spans nature recovery, community engagement, citizen science, environmental policy and international wildlife conservation.

“Having grown up in the area and spent my career in the environmental sector, this feels like a full-circle moment to be working to protect a landscape that inspired my own love of nature,” she said. “I look forward to working with colleagues, partners and communities to build on the Chilterns National Landscape’s many successes, helping ensure the Chilterns’ unique landscapes thrive for generations to come.”

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Louise will oversee the delivery of a diverse portfolio of conservation, heritage and landscape-scale initiatives that support the organisation’s strategic vision.

She will provide leadership for flagship programmes including Mend the Gap, the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project and Not Bourne Yesterday. These initiatives address some of the key challenges facing the Chilterns, from biodiversity loss and habitat restoration to landscape management and climate change. Louise will also help develop new opportunities and secure resources to strengthen and grow the organisation’s work.

Working closely with farmers, landowners, conservation organisations, local authorities and communities will be central to the role, building on the partnerships that are key to conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and heritage of the Chilterns .

Dr Elaine King, Chief Executive at the Chilterns National Landscape, is looking forward to working with Louise.

“Louise brings a wealth of experience, alongside a strong track record of building partnerships and delivering meaningful outcomes for nature and communities,” she said. “It’s lovely to welcome someone who grew up in the Chilterns and has such a strong personal connection to this special place and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.”