Our Members have different skills and areas of expertise, interests and pastimes. One thing unites them – they love the Yorkshire Dales National Park and work to represent the National Park Authority in conserving, enhancing and promoting this wonderful place.
Information about each individual Member, including their current Register of Interests, can be seen on the pages below.
The Authority’s member champions are also indicated in the list below. Individual Members of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority are appointed to ‘champion’ specific areas of the Authority’s work. Their key roles are:
- To represent and champion the individual service to a wide audience.
- To assist officers with the implementation of the Authority’s policies and to develop future policy proposals for consideration by the Authority and its committees.
- To report back to the Authority and its committees on their work.
- To act as a ‘sounding board’ for senior officers regarding the discussion of new ideas and initiatives, bringing the ‘member perspective’ to these discussions.
We have a number of public committee meetings throughout the year. You can view upcoming and past meetings here.
Neil Heseltine - Chair
Secretary of State appointees (Parish members)
Committees
Finance and Resources
Neil Heseltine is a fourth generation farmer and was educated at Ermysteds Grammar School, Skipton and Seale Hayne Agricultural College. He spent time travelling and working on farms in New Zealand and Scotland before returning to Hill Top Farm, Malham, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park where he was born and brought up. He now farms Hill Top with his partner Leigh and they have a young daughter, Violet. The farm comprises 1100 acres, the majority of which is in Countryside Stewardship and this includes land rented from the National Trust. In 2003, as part of a conservation grazing scheme, he introduced 20 Belted Galloway cattle to the farm. This proved to be a defining time for Neil in terms of ethos and mind-set, as he sought more sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods. He has recently been closely involved with the National Trust in a trial payments by results scheme and was awarded the National Trust’s “Farming with Nature” award in 2019.
Neil was a member of the National Park England [NPE] Future of farming post Brexit task & finish group in 2016/17 who helped prepare the document ‘Farming in the English National Parks’ which enables NPE to make proposals to DEFRA on the future of farming in the English National Parks and he recently gave evidence to the North Yorkshire Rural Commission.
A keen rugby player and cricketer, he is a member of Malham Parish Council and is a former chairman of the Malham Show. Neil was appointed Chair of the Authority in June 2020 having served as Deputy Chair since June 2019.
Derek Twine - Deputy Chair
Secretary of State appointees (National members)
Committees
Finance and Resources
Member Champion for
Promoting Understanding
Derek Twine is formerly Chief Executive for the UK Scout Association. He started his career on the academic staff of Bangor University, since when he has held management and leadership roles in youth work, adult training, corporate development and community engagement. He has held various national and international governance roles including with the National Trust and with the Church Urban Fund. He chaired the 2013 Voluntary Sector Governance Review and he has provided evidence to several Parliamentary Select Committees. He is an Honorary Canon and Chair of Council at Bradford Cathedral, and is Development Coordinator at All Saints Church Ilkley. He was appointed CBE in 2007 for services to young people.
Derek’s contributions across his professional and pro-bono roles have especially been to increase diversity, engage with and advocate for young people, foster sustainable communities, recruit and support volunteering, and encourage connection with the outdoors and environment.
Derek and his wife live in Burley-in-Wharfedale, and they enjoy walking in the Dales and on the moors with their adult children and their grandchildren who live nearby.
Liz Appleton Hall
Secretary of State appointees (Parish members)
Committees
Audit and Review, Planning
A farmer’s daughter, born and raised in Conistone with Kilnsey, Upper Wharfedale has always been home and Liz considered herself to be very fortunate to be able to move back to the Dales 9 years ago.
Liz is currently the Chair of Conistone with Kilnsey Parish Meeting, which she is finding to be not only enjoyable but educational too!
Having successfully worked 20 years in large scale healthcare recruitment, Liz is currently enjoying a short sabbatical, appreciating spending her time continuing her passion for all things rural-related, and taking a keen interest in all things Equine, in particular National Hunt horseracing and dressage. If you can’t spot her on board hacking over the hills, you’ll definitely find her walking the fells with Frank the Labrador in tow!
Liz really hopes that joining this team will be provide her with an opportunity to contribute to the National Park she is so lucky to call home.
Libby Bateman
Secretary of State appointees (Parish members)
Committees
Finance and Resources, Planning
Member Champion for
Cultural Heritage
Libby lives in the parish of Ravenstonedale where she was raised, attending Ravenstonedale Primary School and then on to Settlebeck High School in Sedbergh for secondary education. From 2009, Libby worked on the development and delivery of the Upper Eden Community Plan, implementing a wide range of projects from renewable energy, broadband and community events to national planning reform. Libby has a keen interest in environment economics and is in her final year of studying for a degree in Politics, Philosophy & Economics with the Open University.
Libby Bateman is a parish councillor on Ravenstonedale Parish Council and a former Cumbria County Councillor, representing Kirkby Stephen Division from 2013 – 2017. Libby is a keen horse rider and has a deep understanding of the value of safe and enjoyable access to the countryside for everybody.
Lizzie Bushby
Secretary of State appointees (National members)
Committees
Audit and Review, Planning
Member Champion for
Recreation Management
Lizzie Bushby is a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute, and works on a variety of strategic landscape planning projects at CBA. She is passionate about the natural environment, and believes a landscape led approach to development and landscape management can contribute to tackling some of the big issues we face, like climate change and health and well-being. She is keen to ensure that landscapes are managed in a way that balances social, economic and ecological needs.
She first discovered the Yorkshire Dales when living in Leeds, where she developed a passion for landscape that led her to retrain as a landscape architect. Lizzie lives in Nottinghamshire with her family, and can often be found walking in the countryside, camping and gardening.
Mark Corner
Secretary of State appointees (National members)
Committees
Audit and Review, Planning, Standards
Member Champion for
Natural Environment
Mark Corner studied Chemical Engineering at Manchester University and has an MBA from Manchester Business School. He retired from Royal Dutch Shell plc in 2009 after 30 years working in a variety of roles including Chemicals, Corporate and Government Affairs, and as a senior executive in Global Exploration and Production. He has been resident and worked in the UK, Argentina, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Holland. He has lived with his family in Langcliffe since 2009, acquiring a home there several years before when the first of his four children started attending Giggleswick school.
Mark first visited the Dales on a camping holiday with his school in Sunderland and has been enthralled since then by its landscape and people. He knows the area well through his interest in walking, photography and, lately, sketching. He owns and manages two woodlands, for wildlife and amenity, and is a bee keeper. Mark has been an active trustee of Friends of the Dales and was its chairman for four years until mid-2019.
Phil Dew
Local Authority Appointees – Westmorland and Furness Council
Committees
Finance and Resources
Phil is a retired Methodist minister who has lived and worked in the Westmorland Dales since 1995. He spent his childhood in the East End of London but would visit his aunt who lived in Gunnerside every summer – which then seemed like heaven on earth – so the Yorkshire Dales have always had a very special place in his affections and he often leads worship at the chapel in Gunnerside.
Phil graduated with a degree in agricultural economics from London University in 1976 and he therefore has an interest in farming issues particularly those affecting upland hill farms. He is also a qualified diagnostic radiographer with a passion for the National Health Service.
Phil is now a councillor on the Westmorland and Furness Council and chairs the Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Committee. He is also the chair of governors at a local secondary school and so, for Phil, education and the provision of services for young people and families are a high priority – especially for those living in remote rural communities. Phil is keen to see such communities prosper and grow and will support policies that enable that to happen.
Richard Foster
Local Authority Appointees – North Yorkshire Council
Committees
Finance and Resources, Planning
Member Champion for
Sustainable Development
Richard is a farmer’s son from Kilnsey who has lived in Wharfedale all his life apart from studying in Newcastle for 3 years to gain a degree in agriculture.
He is currently self-employed and has been a Councillor on Craven District Council for the past 13 years, becoming Deputy Leader then Leader. He is a Councillor for North Yorkshire Council and was elected to the new Unitary Authority in May 2022. He is also Chair of the North Yorkshire, York and East Riding Housing Board and sits on the Health and Wellbeing Board.
Robert Heseltine
Local Authority Appointees – North Yorkshire Council
Committees
Audit and Review, Planning
Robert was born at Bolton Abbey and educated at Ermysteds Grammar School. His working life has centred around dales farming at the family farm at Bolton Abbey, retail, commerce, provision of care services for the elderly, interests in the hotel sector, and environmental consultancy. Pastimes include drystone walling, mountain walking, the environment, voluntary and charity work and of course the occasional pint of Guinness. He is a lifelong supporter of Burnley Football Club, and has a reputation as an internationally-renowned mole catcher.
In public life his services include nearly thirty years as a member of both North Yorkshire County Council and Craven District Council, and Skipton Town Council.
Nationally, he serves or has served on various policy and strategy committees including the Rural Needs Panel of the Association of District Councils and the Finance Group of the Association of County Councils. He has an abiding passion and concern for environmental, social, cultural and economic regeneration.
Robert is currently involved as a lead member on Economic Development and Rural Services, Planning and Regulatory functions. He is Vice Chairman of the National Rural Services Executive of the Local Government Association.
Julie Hutton
Secretary of State appointees (National members)
Committees
Finance and Resources
Member Champion for
Corporate Management
Julie was born in North Yorkshire and moved to Northallerton when she started working for the Rural Development Commission where she was responsible for £3m investment. She encouraged a network of public, private and voluntary organisations to develop initiatives and a strategic approach to social, economic and environmental development.
As Assistant Director at ‘Yorkshire Forward’, Julie was employed as part of the senior team, to facilitate regeneration and economic development, to create jobs and support business, influencing economic prosperity and was responsible for a £240m programme of projects in York and North Yorkshire.
Working with the CEOs of local authorities, the National Park Authorities, the Ministry of Defence, Heritage Lottery, business leaders and politicians, Julie was able to secure investment and commitment to projects to deliver the strategic vision of the National Park Authorities.
During Julie’s 28 years working across the rural areas of Yorkshire, she has come to believe that the environment, closely coupled to the economy and Park communities are vital to safeguarding the special qualities of the park for the next generation and beyond. The care of this environment is fundamental, particularly at the present time with so many changes that will impact on the future of these wonderful uplands. Securing the care of these assets is critical for all those with an interest in these areas.
Julie currently works for Hambleton District Council providing support to start up and existing businesses, advising on policy, writing briefings, running events and delivering projects to ensure the continued prosperity of this rural area.
Julie recently became a Trustee of the North York Moors National Park Trust.
Julie is married to Neil with teenage twins and her interests include gardening, dog walking, interior design and the countryside.
Julie was appointed Deputy Chair of the Authority in June 2020.
David Ireton
Local Authority Appointees – North Yorkshire Council
Committees
Audit and Review, Planning, Standards
I live with my family on a smallholding in Chapel-le-Dale in the heart of the Three Peaks.The Yorkshire Dales living landscape and the community of those who dwell and work here have always been close to my heart.
I was born into a farming family in Sedgewick near Kendal and educated at Kirkby Lonsdale. On leaving school I followed my ambition and served an apprenticeship in butchery, and in 1974 was able to purchase the butchers shop in Ingleton where I remained until retirement, selling the shop in 2005.
I was honoured to be asked to become involved in serving the wider community, and in 1998 was elected to Craven District Council serving as its chairman from 2006 to 2008. In 1999 I became a councillor on North Yorkshire County Council; I continue to serve in both roles to this day.
A sustainable future for our countryside is of vital importance to everybody; for those who earn their livelihood here and act as stewards of this very special environment, and for those who visit.
Peter Jackson
Local Authority Appointees – Lancaster City Council
Committees
Finance and Resources
Born in Blackpool and educated at Helsby Grammar School in Cheshire before reading Modern History at Wadham College, Oxford University, Peter has spent a long career working in sales and business management. He runs an import and distribution business in North Lancashire.
Once a keen runner on roads and fells, his outdoor activities are limited to walking nowadays, he particularly enjoys Malham and the Howgill Fells. He also is an enthusiastic player of contract bridge and a former chair of Lancaster Bridge Club. Peter is a follower of national hunt racing and a regular visitor to the Cheltenham Festival.
Peter was elected to Lancaster City Council in May 2023 to represent a large rural ward in the Lune Valley and welcomes the opportunity to serve on the National Park Authority.
Allen Kirkbride
Secretary of State appointees (Parish members)
Committees
Planning, Audit and Review, Standards
Allen has always lived and farmed in Askrigg, Wensleydale, having been educated at Wensleydale School. He is married with 3 children, one who works on the farm, one in hotel management and one in the NHS.
Allen is Chairman of Askrigg Parish Council and a member of Yorebridge Educational Foundation.He is a trustee of Askrigg Foundation and the Cumbria and Yorkshire Dales Farmers Network. He is also Vice-Chairman of Hawes Farmers Auction Mart and a director of the Upper Wensleydale Community Partnership and Yorebridge Sports & Leisure.
Allen likes the countryside and any sport but especially Burnley Football Club. He dislikes cities, queuing and crowds!
Ian Mitchell
Local Authority Appointees – Westmorland and Furness Council
Committees
Audit and Review, Planning, Standards
Born in Lancaster, Ian Mitchell has lived in Dent all his life, he is deeply involved with the local community, having worked in one of Dent’s two pubs ‘The George and Dragon’ for 15 years – the last 3 as manager. Ian also serves as vice chair on Dent Parish Council as well as being a governor to Dent C of E Primary School.
Having served on South Lakeland District Council, representing the Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale ward from May 2018, Ian is now an elected Councillor for Westmorland and Furness Council.
Ian is highly involved with Dent Football Club and a member of the local pool team.
Jim Munday
Secretary of State appointees (National members)
Committees
Audit and Review, Planning
Member Champion for
Development Management
Raised in County Durham, Jim first discovered the Yorkshire Dales as a teenage cyclist. Since then he has been a constant visitor exploring most of the region before settling in Bentham on the edge of National Park in 2002.
He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and active as a Member of the Upper Chamber of the Food, Drink and Agriculture Industry Group. He has wide experience as Chief Executive and/or Director of several commercial, industry and government organisations, involving significant marketing, communications, market research and public relations work. This introduced us to the delights of Country Life English Butter, better quality tea, leaner meat, Yakult etc.
He has served on the Advisory Panel for Yorkshire Culture and as a trustee of the Brewery Arts Centre Kendal and as a non-executive director of the Brewery’s commercial trading company, the Kendal Catering Company.
When not tramping the hills, his other enthusiasms are for his family, food, cooking, mountaineering books, the theatre, cinema and jazz.
Andrew Murday
Local Authority Appointees – North Yorkshire Council
Committees
Audit and Review, Planning
Dr Andrew Murday runs a smallholding just outside Glasshouses.
Before moving to Nidderdale 12 years ago, he was an NHS heart surgeon and director of heart and lung surgery in the West of Scotland. More recently he has been working in the Covid vaccination team in Leeds.
As well as running his smallholding near Glasshouses, Andrew is actively involved in the community, playing in the Summerbridge and Dacre Silver Prize Band and the Nidderdale Community Orchestra as well as volunteering at the Pateley Bridge museum.
Simon Myers
Local Authority Appointees – North Yorkshire Council
Committees
Finance and Resources
David Noland
Local Authority Appointees – North Yorkshire Council
Committees
Finance and Resources, Planning
Born in Hertfordshire and after school in Harrogate and university in Manchester, David worked as a teacher in London, Shropshire, Cumbria and Essex. He gained a love of the Dales in Derbyshire and then Yorkshire, settling in Skipton in 2000. He was elected to Craven District Council and later, NYCC in May 2022 for the division of Skipton North and Embsay with Eastby, some of which lies in the National Park, and now is a Councillor on North Yorkshire Council.
David lives with his partner in Skipton. His two children attend local high schools. He played cricket for Skipton CC for many Saturdays but mostly just coaches juniors now. He loves to explore the Dales on foot or bicycle in search of the best cake that cafes can offer although he is a keen baker himself. He is an avid reader of history, novels, transport, energy and economics. He is keen to address the challenges facing modern farmers and the wider community as well as exploring how we can support a sustainable future for our countryside but also welcome the many people who wish to visit.
Stuart Parsons
Local Authority Appointees – North Yorkshire Council
Committees
Finance and Resources
Yvonne Peacock
Local Authority Appointees – North Yorkshire Council
Committees
Audit and Review, Planning
Yvonne Peacock, a farmer’s daughter, has lived all her life in Bainbridge. She is in partnership with her two sons in the James Peacock Solid Fuel and Private Hire Business and also The Corn Mill Tearoom.
She has served as a Councillor on Richmondshire District Council for over 20 years; and was leader from 2015 to 2019; and just recently become a North Yorkshire County Councillor.
Over the years Yvonne has chaired many committees including resources and housing. Her interests include helping the community to gain funding for local charities and groups.
Yvonne leads a very busy life so no real hobbies but enjoys reading and her favourite authors are John Grisham, Lee Childs, Jeffery Archer and Anna Jacobs.
Jenny Purcell
Local Authority Appointees – Lancashire County Council
Committees
Finance and Resources, Planning
I am a County Councillor for Pendle Rural and also Pendle Council. I’m Vice-Chair of West Craven Committee and Chairman of Friends of Cravenside. I have been asked to represent Lancashire County Council on the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority as I live the nearest to the Dales and also I have lots of farming friends in the Dales. I look forward to being part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.
Karin Sedgwick
Local Authority Appointees – North Yorkshire Council
Committees
Finance and Resources
Karin has been an elected councillor since 2015 and is the North Yorkshire Council representative for the Leyburn and Middleham Ward, which includes an area of the National Park.
Karin cares passionately about people, particularly the young, elderly and disadvantaged and seeks to assist them wherever possible. Karin is currently Chair of North Yorkshire Council’s Care and Independence Overview Scrutiny and the Scrutiny Board. She also works with the schools and elderly provision within her area.
Working with the community, Karin is active with the many parish councils within her ward and has helped fund many successful community projects and initiatives with her locality budget.
Living in the Dales gives Karin the opportunity to spend time in these beautiful surroundings. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, music and walking.
Steve Shaw-Wright
Local Authority Appointees – North Yorkshire Council
Committees
Audit and Review, Planning, Standards
Graham Simpkins
Local Authority Appointees – Westmorland and Furness Council
Committees
Planning, Audit and Review
Born and bred in Westmorland much of which is now The Westmorland Dales, within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. My school life was spent in both Kendal Westmorland and Adelaide Australia. My academic undertakings since leaving school at the age of fifteen have included studies with the Chartered Institute of Transport followed by degrees in Economics, Politics and Transportation Management at Bradford and Cranfield Universities. My working life has largely been in the transport, tourism & logistics industries. I have been employed in Scotland working in the incoming tourism market, transporting vast numbers of foreign nationals around the country. I have also worked with and for quangos, local & regional government developing sustainable transport initiatives largely, but not exclusively, in the south east of England. My wife a Yorkshire lass and I are now retired and I’m looking forward to utilising my skills for the benefit of both resident and visitor of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Neil Swain
Secretary of State appointees (National members)
Committees
Finance and Resources, Planning
Born in the North West, Neil spent many happy times in the Dales throughout his youth. After a career in engineering and IT, he retrained as a Chartered Surveyor and moved back up north to settle in Yorkshire. After a decade involved in the management of the Castle Howard Estate, Neil set up his own business two years ago providing rural property management and consultancy. Excited to be involved in steering the management of this most beautiful part of the country, Neil has a particular interest in ensuring the economic success of the Park and is currently Chair of the Planning Committee.
