Sussex Wildlife Trust announces new Chief Executive

admin
, 07 April 2026
Sussex Wildlife Trust announces new Chief Executive
Nic Scothern

Sussex Wildlife Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Nic Scothern as its new Chief Executive.

Nic has dedicated her career to inspiring and enabling action for nature and climate. She brings over 10 years of senior leadership experience with RSPB, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and the National Trust. Her previous roles include RSPB's Deputy Executive Director of Engagement and Regional Director for the South East of England.

With an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation, Nic's passion for nature is at the heart of everything she does. Her approach centres on equity, inclusion, and building a diverse movement to drive positive change for wildlife and communities.

Nic said “I’m thrilled to be joining Sussex Wildlife Trust as Chief Executive in April. This is an inspiring organisation with an ambitious strategy. Now, more than ever, we need people taking action for nature, and more restoration and protection of our land and seas. I can’t wait to help make that happen with Sussex Wildlife Trust. I’m excited to lead the Trust to help grow a diverse, people-powered movement to save nature in Sussex.”

Nick Pasricha, Chair of Trustees, said: “I am excited that Nic Scothern will be joining us as our Chief Executive. Nic brings a wealth of experience as a conservationist, a deep understanding of our area and a genuine passion for engaging with our community to safeguard and restore nature.”

“Nic succeeds Chris Corrigan, who will be retiring after making an outstanding contribution to Sussex Wildlife Trust. Under Chris’s leadership the Trust has developed a clear strategy, built a passionate and committed team and achieved a strong financial position. Members have seen him as a tireless conservation advocate, recently championing a major wetland restoration project at Pevensey Levels, and successfully taking legal action to prevent the dumping of dredged sediment in a Marine Conservation Zone. We can't thank him enough for what he has achieved for the Trust. He has also been fun to work with. We will miss him.”

The appointment comes at a significant time for Sussex Wildlife Trust, as the charity continues to deliver its Our Wild Sussex strategy. The Trust is supported by over 38,000 members, 1000 active volunteers and over 120 staff, who manage its nature recovery projects, nature reserves and engagement activities.

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Comments

  • Sarah cunliffe:

    Welcome Nic! Sussex Wildlife Trust is a really inspiring extended family of extraordinary people – greatly looking forward to seeing the next journey of this special Trust and to you all continuing to implement landmark change and legacy for our wildlife and special places above and below the water ! 🐬🐟🦞🐝🦋

    07 Apr 2026 14:03:00

  • Clare Roberts:

    Welcome Nic! I am delighted to see you are the incoming CEO and have no doubt that you will bring a host of unique talents to SWT! Always keen to see talent growing and developing- all the very best, Clare 👍

    08 Apr 2026 12:26:00

  • David Newborough:

    Having worked with Nic many moons ago, I just wanted to say what an inspired choice Nic is as Chief Exec. Members, volunteers and staff should be equally excited for the future under what I’m convinced will be Nic’s inspiring leadership.

    09 Apr 2026 08:04:00

  • Nikki Gaut:

    Nic is a wonderful, honest, dynamic and inspirational role model and person. What an asset to the SWT and I’m so excited to see what she brings to this awesome charity! 💫 Nikki x

    09 Apr 2026 10:37:00

  • Helen George:

    Welcome!

    09 Apr 2026 16:14:00

  • Lindsey and Dave Cooke:

    Appreciate and thank all the projects SWT have engaged in. Plus all work done by paid and those volunteering in our area. We hope that the new CEO will continue and be able to fulfil her objectives into the uncertain future ecconomic /political/world future.

    10 Apr 2026 06:39:00

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