Alan Stewart
Nominated by: National Forum for Biological Recording
Having been interested in natural history since childhood (first with birds, then plants, then insects), Alan has been directly involved in biological recording since taking over the national recording scheme for the 400 species of Auchenorrhyncha (the collective term for leafhoppers, planthoppers, froghoppers, treehoppers and cicadas) in 1986. He was a member of the original Co-ordinating Commission for Biological Recording (CCBR) that provided the impetus for setting up the NBN.
Since arriving at Sussex University in 1993, where he is now Senior Lecturer in Ecology with research interests in insect-plant interactions, insect community ecology and conservation, he has taken a strong interest in local natural history and conservation, being a trustee of the Sussex Wildlife Trust and more recently chairman of their conservation committee. He also chaired the steering committee of the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre for more than 12 years. Collectively, these experiences have given him an appreciation of biological recording from a number of perspectives.
Alan enjoys living within the recently-designated South Downs National Park where his limited spare time is mostly focused on natural history and a sporty family.
Tim Hill
Nominated by: Natural England
Tim trained as a Marine Biologist and has a Joint Honours degree in Marine Biology and Zoology (University of Wales) and a PhD from the University of Liverpool, where he studied kelp communities.
Tim has worked for Natural England, its predecessor organisation English Nature, and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, for over 20 years in various management and specialist roles covering marine survey, marine protected area management and monitoring, SSSI designation and management, regulation and access.
Tim has been a member of Natural England’s leadership team since March 2008 with former roles including Director Regulatory Services & Access and Director of Evidence. Tim has also been Natural England’s Chief Scientist since 2011. This latter role includes the leadership of Natural England’s scientific and technical capability and for setting standards for the generation, use and application of science and evidence across the organisation.
Tim lives on the northern edge of the North York Moors and enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the great outdoors with his young family and inexhaustible dog.
Find out more
You can find out who all the Trustees are by visiting the NBN Trustees' page