Meet our Trustees
NHSN is grateful to our Trustees, who share their time and considerable expertise to oversee the strategic direction of NHSN.
Dr Gordon Port
Chair
A retired lecturer from Newcastle University, Gordon is NHSN’s Invertebrate Specialist Group coordinator, leading popular invertebrate events and bringing expertise to reserve open days. Gordon also plays an active role in supporting NHSN’s citizen science schemes and was a contributing author of Bumblebees of North East England. His interests include general natural history and entomology, with a specialist interest in Hemiptera.
Dr Annie Tindley
Vice-Chair
An academic at Newcastle University, Annie is Head of the School of History, Classics and Archaeology and Professor of British and Irish Rural History. She is experienced in leadership and strategic direction, including consortium directorship of the AHRC Northern Bridge Consortium. She is also Honorary Advisor on land management plans for National Trust Scotland and runs archival and publication masterclasses for the Scottish History Society. Using the NHSN Library and Archive, Annie has carried out research on John Hancock and his taxidermy.
Lisa Gill
Lisa currently works at the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as a Peatland Support Officer. She is a recent graduate from Newcastle University, having studied an MSc in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. During her time as a student, Lisa wrote an article for the NHSN and delivered an 1829 Talk on her dissertation research project, analysing the effects of cattle grazing in semi-ancient wood pasture in Kielder Forest.
Sammy Mason
Sammy currently works for the British Ecological Society. She works on the citizen science project MammalWeb which aims to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in mammal monitoring with camera traps. She is passionate about engaging children and young people with nature and has worked with thousands of students across North East England on various different projects. Sammy has delivered multiple talks for NHSN and has been involved in open days at Gosforth Nature Reserve as well as bringing students to visit the reserve.
Dr Rinke Vinkenoog
Rinke works at Northumbria University as the Programme Leader for MSc Biotechnology. Rinke is a STEM ambassador and active in public outreach, working with schools, societies and groups to encourage outdoor learning and engage with natural history. Over the years, he has presented his research at NHSN’s talks, supported NHSN’s public outreach work and is a contributing author of Bumblebees of North East England.
Dr Yulia Dzenkovska
Yulia is a Lecturer in Marketing at Newcastle University Business School, and a social entrepreneur. She brings over a decade of experience in marketing and customer experience management to the NHSN board. Yulia is dedicated to co-creation with the audiences using design thinking approach, as well as sustainable improvement of relationship between people and their environments.
Irena Peel
A chartered accountant, Irena currently works at a local mental health charity after a career in various finance leadership roles across different industries. She is passionate about nature and enjoys walking in Northumberland with her family.
Neil Emery
A seasoned leader and manager, Neil has a 24-year career in the British Military, serving in numerous global operations. Post-military, he transformed teams at Your Homes Newcastle and Virgin Money into market leaders. In 2020, Neil joined NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) to spearhead transformation initiatives. He is the founder and chair of the NHSBSA Armed Forces Network and serves on the NHSBSA’s Shadow Board. At weekends, Neil finds tranquillity and challenge in the mountains with his dogs. His extensive time living in nature during his military service has instilled a deep appreciation for the outdoors. As a trustee, Neil aims to inspire the younger generation to embrace and connect with nature, promoting well-being.
Andrew Sinclair
Andrew works for Womble Bond Dickinson as a Chartered Legal Executive in their construction and engineering team. At Womble Bond Dickinson, Andrew has worked for various central and local government clients as well as educational providers, and also advises a range of commercial clients on construction related matters. A member of NHSN since 2020, he has broad interests in design, culture, the natural world and heritage, and enjoys all aspects of photography.
Adrian Pitches
Adrian has been interested in the natural world since he was a young child. He studied Biological Sciences at Exeter University before becoming a journalist. A lifelong birder, he’s latterly turned his attention to other winged animals too: butterflies, moths, bees, dragonflies. But he hasn’t developed an interest in bats just yet…
Adrian recently left the BBC in Newcastle after 36 years where he produced the nightly Look North TV news programme. He’s married with two daughters.