The wildlife education charity the Earth Trust has appointed Ian Barrett as its next chief executive.

Barrett, who has spent the past eight years in the top job at the Avon Wildlife Trust, will succeed Jayne Manley, who the charity said was pursuing new opportunities.

Manley, who stepped down in May, spent 13 years at the charity, 12 of them as chief executive.

The Earth Trust said Barrett had an extensive background in environmental leadership spanning various sectors, including time as England south director at the sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

Barrett was also environmental policy team leader at the government’s civil service fast stream for 12 years.

“This is an organisation with a deep understanding of the potential for people and places to take positive action for our climate, wildlife, health and wellbeing,” he said. 

“Earth Trust has such exciting plans to demonstrate the power of nature, engage more people and influence for a world where nature and people can thrive together. I can’t wait to get started.”

Barrett said he was passionate about creating better places for people and wildlife, tackling the challenges of nature and climate emergencies and improving people’s quality of life through placemaking and access to green space.

“Earth Trust’s mission aligns perfectly with these goals, and I’m excited to lead the organisation in making a real difference,” Barrett said.

Trustees Liz Buckle and Clare Fairbrother took on roles as interim co-chief executives and will return to their trustee roles once Barrett joins the charity on 2 December. 

“Ian joins us at an exciting time as we work to become leading-edge exemplars of managing accessible, engaging green spaces of different scales,” they said.

“His experience will be crucial in helping us demonstrate nature-based solutions, ensure everyone has access to quality green spaces, and make our voice heard in influencing policy and practice.

“Ian is joining a passionate and dedicated team of staff, trustees and volunteers and we look forward to a bright future where Earth Trust is able to connect more people, in more ways, with the natural world.”