The Open Spaces Society has appointed Gerald Davies as its local correspondent for part of Ceredigion.
Gerald will look out for the society’s interests in his area, championing public paths, and commons, greens and other open spaces.
He was raised on a farm in mid Wales and studied agricultural engineering, and then spent over 35 years in land-based education with responsibility for a large estate. Now he is retired, but continues to support land-based colleges in the evolution of their safety culture.
Gerald has experience of the issues in which the society is involved and has worked with various government agencies. A keen walker and hiker, Gerald spends as much time as possible in the hills, especially in his native Wales, although he now lives in Northamptonshire.
Says Gerald:
‘I love spending time outdoors—the more remote the area the better. I am looking forward to this opportunity to support the work of the Open Spaces Society in protecting the places I love so much.’
Adds Kate Ashbrook, the society’s general secretary:
‘We welcome Gerald as our local correspondent in Ceredigion, a splendid area with many commons, which are threatened with fencing, wind farms and much else. It will be extremely helpful to strengthen our presence here.’
The society has appointed Gerald to act in five communities in Ceredigion: Llangeitho, Lledrod, Melidwr, Tregaron and Ystwyth.
The Open Spaces Society was founded in 1865 as the Commons Preservation Society.* It is Britain’s oldest national conservation body. Its founders and early members included John Stuart Mill, Lord Eversley, Sir Robert Hunter and Octavia Hill. The last two founded the National Trust in 1895 along with Canon Rawnsley.
Lord Eversley, as George Lefevre, was a Liberal MP and became a junior minister at the Board of Trade in Gladstone’s government. He held a variety of posts including Commissioner of Works. He opened Hampton Court Park, Kew Gardens and Regent’s Park to the public.
Over the last century the society has preserved commons for the enjoyment of the public. It has also been active in protecting the historical and vital rights-of-way network through England and Wales.
