An environmental charity has appointed two new co-chairs to its board of trustees.

Earth Trust, based near Didcot, has announced the appointments of Sarah Hendry and Frank Nigriello.

This new leadership structure signals the charity's ambition for a heightened profile and visibility in the championing of natural green spaces.

The co-chair model will guide Earth Trust towards its next chapter - to engage more communities with nature.

Jayne Manley, CEO of Earth Trust, said: "We're delighted to welcome Sarah and Frank as Co-Chairs at this important strategic moment for Earth Trust.

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"Their combined expertise and oversight will be pivotal as we scale our impact and deliver against our purpose of engaging diverse communities with natural green spaces."

Sarah Hendry arrives with more than 25 years of experience leading national environmental and land-use policy in the UK civil service.

As director general of the Country Land and Business Association, she steered strategic direction amidst fundamental changes to environmental and farming policies.

She said she is looking forward to supporting Earth Trust’s advocacy for better green space access and its work to influence policy.

Ms Hendry said: "I'm honoured to help guide Earth Trust's mission at this critical juncture.

"Together, I believe that we can have a real impact influencing policies and putting into practice approaches that truly enable communities to connect with nature."

Joining her, co-chair Frank Nigriello is a seasoned non-executive director, dedicated to promoting responsible business behaviours.

His roles have included working with large companies from the I.T., financial services, logistics and manufacturing sectors, as well as being HRH the Prince of Wales's Responsible Business Ambassador for the Southeast for four years.

He is currently chair of the B4 business network and is working with several start-up companies

Mr Nigriello said: "Earth Trust has an important role engaging people to take greater ownership of environmental issues and the sustainable future of our planet.

"I’m pleased to help Earth Trust support greener economies in Oxfordshire and beyond and demonstrate how people and nature can thrive in balance."

This change in governance comes at a time as Earth Trust embarks on a period of growth.

As part of its 5-year strategy, the charity intends to demonstrate nature-based solutions for people, biodiversity and climate.

Its plans include tackling infrastructure challenges at its most visited natural green space, Wittenham Clumps, and launching new volunteering and membership engagement models.

CEO Jayne Manley added: "With Sarah and Frank at the helm, I'm confident Earth Trust will achieve its ambitions to champion natural green spaces that bring nature and people closer together."