Meet the team
Meet the team
East Devon National Landscape
Meet the team

Manager

Dan Wynn

Favourite spot in East Devon

Hooken Cliffs – this viewpoint showcases beautiful scenery along the East Devon coast.

Why? It was the first place I visited in East Devon. I walked a return loop from Beer to Branscombe along the coast path. I have fond memories from that day; it made me fall in love with the area.

Why I love working for EDNL?

Being able to translate strategic wider opportunities into tangible positive benefits to local communities here in East Devon. Realising this positive practical impact ‘on-the-ground’ for communities, wildlife and the wider environment is exactly why I got into this line of work

daniel.wynn@eastdevon-nl.org.uk

Project Officer

Steph Aburrow

Favourite spot in East Devon

Uplyme. Why? Imagine a valley of quaint lanes, mature woodlands, meandering rivers, open fields, unique houses, and a massive viaduct that appears out of nowhere (many don’t even know it’s there)! And to top it off, it sits near the end of the East Devon Way leading you down to the coast for a dip! Honestly, what more could you need!

Why I love working for EDNL?

Seeing the benefits of our work on the individuals that live and work in the landscape.

stephanie.aburrow@eastdevon-nl.org.uk

Farming In Protected Landscapes Programme Officer

Jack Hirst

Favourite spot in East Devon

Fire Beacon Hill. Why? Fire Beacon Hill was one of the very first places I walked when we moved to East Devon and later became the site of my very first work visit with the team.

I absolutely love it. The panoramic views over the coast, Sidmouth, and the patchwork of farmland, woodland, and heath, all intersected by thick Devon hedges, really captures the essence of the East Devon National Landscape in a single viewpoint. The heath is teeming with wildlife, I’ve spotted yellowhammer, nightjar, and sparrowhawk, listened to cuckoos, and spent time watching the native ponies and cattle that graze the surrounding woodland.

Why I love working for EDNL?

I love working for the EDNL because it strengthens my relationship with East Devon’s extraordinary landscapes and the communities who care for them, while giving me the opportunity to help create positive, lasting change for local people, wildlife, and the wider environment. 

jack.hirst@eastdevon-nl.org.uk

Farming In Protected Landscapes Admin Officer

Lou Maddocks

Favourite spot in East Devon

Budleigh Salterton. Why? I spent many happy days on the beach as a child and continued to do so with our son and still love to go there now with my husband. It’s a delightful little town with a fabulous beach, beautiful scenery, and great walks. 

Why I love working for EDNL?

Working within a subject area that I personally hold a keen interest in, and knowing that the work we do is contributing to enhancing the beautiful environment that we are lucky enough to live in.

lou.maddocks@eastdevon-nl.org.uk

Chair of the EDNL Executive Group

Cllr Richard Jefferies

Favourite spot in East Devon

Blackbury Camp. Why? EDNL’s varied landscapes and relationship to the coast is what makes it special to me. If forced to choose I would choose Blackbury Camp as my favourite place. I have enjoyed visiting through the seasons, from sharing this special place for summer picnics to evocative misty autumnal walks.

Why I love working for EDNL?

Seeing the new team develop. Seeing what a committed small team of people with a common purpose can deliver.

richard.jefferies@eastdevon.gov.uk

Vice Chair of the EDNL Executive Group

Cllr Marianne Rixson

Favourite spot in East Devon

Seaton Wetlands. Why? It is incredible to see what has been achieved here in what was originally agricultural land.

Now an award-winning nature reserve, it attracts an abundance of wildlife. As a bird enthusiast myself, the variety of waders and waterfowl is truly amazing but that is not all. Avocets and sand martins have started breeding here and ospreys are now visiting this reserve.

Finally, Seaton Wetlands is very accessible and provides learning opportunities to local schools and groups, thereby instilling a love for wildlife, which should guarantee a great future for this very special habitat.

Why I love working for EDNL?

The commitment and knowledge of everyone working for East Devon National Landscape is inspiring and I believe the future of our incredible landscape is in good hands. 

Marianne.Rixson@eastdevon.gov.uk