Inspire, Enable & Celebrate:
In 1982 The Conservation Foundation was formed by David Shreeve and David Bellamy and since then we’ve been working to Inspire, Enable and Celebrate positive environmental action.
The Conservation Foundation creates and manages environmental projects, award schemes, awareness campaigns, publications and events covering wide ranging issues and aimed at different and diverse audiences.
Some include the spiritual dimension of concern for the environment. The Foundation is also an environmental incubator, helping fledgling organisations get off the ground and turning good ideas into fundable projects.
We have no members, what we do is funded by sponsors and organisations such as the Heritage Lottery and National Lottery Community Funds and grant giving trusts. As a registered charity, we can also accept donations for projects or to pay running costs.
Our approach is inclusive and fun, never confrontational or strident. Projects are run as partnerships – with corporate and individual sponsors, government departments, media organisations, trusts and foundations.
View our projectsThousands of people have become interested in the environment through a Conservation Foundation project. For some it may have involved planting a tree, creating a pond, or turning a wasteland green – all actions which make their community healthier and more connected. For others, the Foundation has sparked a lifelong concern for the wider world and provided a practical way to get involved.
The past 40 years have seen a recognition of the importance of the environment to our lives. As it looks forward, The Conservation Foundation hopes to continue to encourage and enable people of all ages and backgrounds to make a difference and to inspire sponsors, businesses and individuals to play their part.
View our timelineMany individuals, organisations and projects have benefited from The Conservation Foundation’s numerous award schemes to celebrate positive environmental action designed to congratulate those involved and to encourage others. The very first awards supported by the Ford Motor Company eventually grew to cover Europe whilst the Wessex Watermarks support projects in the West Country.
Other awards have been supported by Lloyds Bank, O2, Trusthouse Forte, Disney, The Observer, Sunday Telegraph, Sunday Times and others.
Get in touchMeet the Team.
David Shreeve Founder & Director
was once described by Harpers and Queen magazine as one of the few conservationists with a sense of humour. David had the idea of the Foundation one day in the bath after organising a successful project involving disease resistant elm trees whilst working in public relations.
Toby Meadows Chair of Trustees
has a background in consultancy focusing on brand strategy for creative businesses. He has taken recently taken on the role of Chair of Trustees to help shape the Foundation’s future focus.
Roselle Houston Trustee
formerly with The Conservation Foundation and now a Consultant in Corporate Sustainability & Climate Change at ERM, Roselle brings a deep expertise in environmental initiatives and sustainable development to her role as a Trustee.
Lucy Brazg Trustee
is an experienced non-profit leader and fundraiser with a strong track record in building relationships and advocating for change. She has a background in health and international development. In recent years, Lucy led a complex development programme at the University of Cambridge covering ten world-leading faculties and two museums.
Ravi Mattu Trustee
currently with the New York Times and formerly with the Financial Times, Ravi brings a wealth of experience in journalism and media strategy to his role as a Trustee
Nandita Patkar Trustee