CPRE people
Shaun Spiers
Chief Executive
Shaun Spiers, born in 1962, has been Chief Executive of CPRE since 2004. From 1999 to 2004 he was Chief Executive of the Association of British Credit Unions Limited (ABCUL). From 1994 to 1999 he was the Member of the European Parliament for London South East. He has a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from St. John's College, Oxford University and an MA in War Studies from King's College London.
Bill Bryson
President
Bill Bryson's love of the English countryside is well known and celebrated in his books such as Notes from a Small Island. We believe his passion will help us win support in our cause to protect and enhance the countryside for the benefit of everyone. He is working with us in our campaign against the unsightly litter which is spoiling our countryside.
Bill was born in Iowa, America, in 1951. A backpacking expedition in 1973 brought him to England. After working for The Times and The Independent in the 1980s as a sub editor, he became a full-time author living in North Yorkshire. He and his family returned to America for several years, and then moved back to England once more in 2003 to live in Norfolk. He has written books on travel and language and his autobiography; The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. Bill is also Chancellor of Durham University, a Commissioner for English Heritage and in 2006 was awarded an honorary OBE for services to literature.
President's View
> Bill's view and your say
Peter Waine
Chairman
Peter Waine has served as Chairman of both the Tree Council and the Brogdale Horticultural Trust, a charity responsible for the management of the National Fruit Collection. In 1979 he co-founded the London Ecology Centre, which brought together a number of smaller conservation groups to share good practice and encourage the cross-fertilisation of ideas. Peter’s wider charitable experience includes being a Trustee of the Royal Opera House and a member of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Peter was a Director of the CBI before co-founding Hanson Green, the principal source for non-executive directorships in the UK. He is visiting professor at both Warwick and Cass Business Schools and has written two books on corporate governance and Takeover, a business novel. Peter lives in Hertfordshire and has served as a local councillor.
Nicholas Crane
Vice President
Nicholas Crane is a writer and broadcaster with a passion for walking and cycling in the British countryside. He has recently written and presented two acclaimed television series' for the BBC, Coast and Great British Journeys. His books include Two Degrees West, a journey through the heart of England taking in the countryside, communities and characters along the Meridian line. Nick's enthusiasm for exploring the natural history around us is a reminder of the role that the landscape can play in the health and education of the nation.
Jonathan Dimbleby
Vice President
Jonathan Dimbleby is one of Britain’s best known broadcasters, famed for his robust political interviewing and his recent landmark television series on Russia. Jonathan was President of the CPRE from 1992 to 1997 and has remained a Vice-President ever since. He is also a past President of RSPB and the Soil Association and is currently President of Voluntary Service Overseas. Jonathan is a committed organic farmer and is passionate about dark skies and tranquillity.
Ben Goldsmith
Vice President
Ben Goldsmith is an environmental philanthropist who supports the funding of clean technologies in waste, water and renewable energy, as well as a range of environmental advocacy groups. Ben founded the Manuka Club which supports grass roots environmental campaign groups around the UK, including a number of CPRE branches.
Lady Caroline Cranbrook
Vice President
Caroline Cranbrook is a food campaigner who has been successful in halting the domination of supermarkets in rural areas. Her research has proved that small, locally owned shops can thrive for the mutual benefit of farmers, shoppers and the community. Caroline received an OBE in 2006 for her campaign to keep local abattoirs and thus reduce animal cruelty and food miles. Her work has been published by CPRE as Food Webs (1998) and The Real Choice (2006), and she has been called "the doughtiest fighter for good sense in agriculture" by none other than Prince Charles.
Sir Neil Cossons
Vice President
Sir Neil Cossons is a former Director of Ironbridge Gorge Museum, the National Maritime Museum and the Science Museum. In 2000 he was appointed Chairman of English Heritage, completing his term of office in 2007. Since the beginning of 2007 he has been Chairman of Council at the Royal College of Art. Neil was awarded an OBE in 1982 for his pioneering work at Ironbridge Gorge and was knighted in 1994.
