Meet the team

Jan Arger

Chairman

Trustee

Jan has been involved with CPRE for many years in the North East, at branch and regional level and nationally as a Board Member, with a specific interest in Green Belt, Dark Skies and Tranquillity. Jan appreciates wild spaces and good quality built environments and understands rural isolation and inner city problems. She also has a passion for reading Terry Pratchett books, heritage, travel and cheese.

Katie Atkinson

Vice -Chair

Trustee, Planning Lead

Katie used to work for the old regional structure of CPRE in Yorkshire & Humber so knows our organisation well and so we were fortunate to persuade her to become a trustee in 2018. Until recently, Katie lived and worked in Ryedale and knows the area and wider North Yorkshire countryside well. Having worked at senior levels in both the public and private arenas as well as for a statutory consultee, Katie brings a broad wealth of planning knowledge to the charity board which proved invaluable in our campaign against ‘fracking’ in the county. Indeed, Katie’s knowledge of fracking has led her to be commissioned privately to represent both local authorities and local interest groups defend refusals of planning permissions at numerous public inquiries. She has two young boys and manages to balance trustee work with a busy schedule and a spot of salsa dancing!

Clair Jones

Trustee, Treasurer

Clair grew up in the North East of England. Trained as an accountant, she has spent most of her career overseas, working with various humanitarian international organisations. She is now looking forward to re-discovering the North Yorkshire countryside from Richmond where she has made her permanent home – and also exploring how she can contribute to CPRENY’s financial management and strategic plans for the future.

Sally Learoyd

Trustee, Climate Change Lead

Sally grew up in East Yorkshire and, after a number of years working in the South and London, has recently returned to her home county to live and work from her new base in Richmond, North Yorkshire.  Sally enjoyed a 20-year employed career as Human Resources Director, successfully delivering change programmes in organisations and strengthening employer engagement with staff.  She now runs a coaching services business focused on helping managers develop their leadership skills and confidence.  Sally is a keen walker and loves nothing more than a walk in the Dales with her husband.  And she relishes a challenge having taken on the Coast to Coast walk on her own in 2022, with more solo walking challenges in the offing!  Sally is a passionate believer in our capacity as human beings for change including to slow the progress of climate change so people can once again live in harmony with nature.  So we are delighted that Sally has chosen to bring her skills and energy to the climate change agenda for CPRE

Holly Fawcett

Admin Officer

Holly is a devoted mother, proud farmer’s wife, and a vibrant personality rooted in the scenic charm of Sowerby, her birthplace. Growing up amidst rolling fields and a close-knit community, she developed a deep appreciation for the land and the values of hard work and resilience.

Holly embraces the dual roles of supporting her family’s agricultural life while nurturing her children with love and care, managing the bustling demands of farm life.

A lover of rural living, Holly’s life reflects her connection to nature and the simple joys of family and community.

Victoria Russell

Trustee, Supporter Development Lead

I’m a programmes manager passionate about helping rural communities thrive. With a background in community development, youth engagement, and social programme delivery, I develop programmes and lead initiatives that secure funding, build strong partnerships, and champion climate action.

Living in the Yorkshire Wolds, I draw inspiration from the countryside every day and embrace the connection to nature. When I’m not working, you’ll find me exploring Yorkshire’s beautiful landscapes with my two children and our dog. I am always looking for a new challenge, either by taking on long distance walks, or crossing another peak off my list!

I’m a firm believer in the power of community and its vital role in rural life, and I’m committed to creating opportunities that make a lasting difference.