Julian joined the Trust as our Chief Executive in September 2021.

Islands have always been a draw for me. Growing up in the East Neuk of Fife meant I had years of looking at Isle of May in the distance; each chance to get out to that island was always special. For over twenty years I then lived far too far from the sea, but from 2009 to 2019 I was in Orkney with my wife and two daughters, first on Mainland, then on Papa Westray.

Wildlife is my passion, and I am lucky that this has been my central to my career since I graduated with an ecological degree in 1990. Before joining the Trust, I was programme manager for Penwith Landscape Partnership, based in St Just, where I was in charge of an exciting programme of work relating to countryside access, wildlife, archaeology and sustainable farming.

My work in nature conservation has included time at Gwent Wildlife Trust, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, RSPB and an ecological consultancy. I was on the board of Papay Development Trust for five years, where we worked to develop the economy to benefit the community of that small island. 

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I love: Wildlife, cricket, punk and my two dogs.

I hate: Habitat destruction

My favourite place in Scilly: Being pretty new to the islands, I’m excited wherever I go!

The animal I would most like to see in the wild: Anything I’ve not seen yet – I’d love to have seen Scilly’s walrus in 2021.