THE CANDIDATES standing for election to the Malvern Hills Trust board have been mapping out what they plan to do if they win the poll.

A by-election for a trustee vacancy for the Chase ward will be held next Thursday, May 5.

Nicholas Moon and Mary Turner are vying for the post on the board.

Mr Moon grew up in Malvern and went to The Chase School.

He moved away for university in 2002, studying applied geography, covering topics, including geology, ecology, environmental law and natural hazards.

Mr Moon, who recently moved back to Malvern, is now the Chief Executive of a Social Enterprise that supports the Public Sector, NHS and large organisations with emergency planning and business resilience. It has responded to major floods, fires, terrorism and of course Covid-19.

In his statement he said: “As a family, we walked the commons or Malvern Hills every day.

“In my spare time I love to walk my two dogs (usually on the Malvern Hills), podcasts, swimming and cooking.

“The Malvern Hills will always have a very special place in my heart.

“Management of them is a complex and hugely important task and it would be an honour to support the Trust in doing so, were I to be elected.”

Mary Turner has lived in Malvern for more than 35 years – her mum was sent to the East End of London to convalesce in the town and later moved there.

Ms Turner’s sons grew up cycling and sledging on the Hills: one is an ecologist, the other a lawyer who now lives in Chase Ward.

She said: “I love the Malvern Hills and Commons, and know them well, continually walking the length of them from my home of 35 years in Lower Wyche Road.

“The Hills and their surrounds are part of who we are, as they are for so many residents in Malvern.

“The Trust is legally required to preserve the natural aspect of the Hills, protect and manage the trees and plants, prevent unlawful building and quarrying, and keep the Hills open for the enjoyment of the public.

“It is also required to conserve and enhance biodiversity, sites of Special Scientific Interest, and Scheduled Ancient Monuments on all the land in its jurisdiction.

“These requirements present challenges in balancing everyone’s needs.

“This is especially challenging given the climate and ecological crises combined with increasing visitor numbers to the Hills. Despite these challenges, my passion lies in preserving the unique ecology of the land in the Trust’s care.

“As a social worker and then a psychotherapist in both the public and private sectors, I understand the importance of making collective and balanced decisions, of listening to everyone involved, and of upholding high standards in public service.”

More on the Malvern Hills Trust and the election

The Trust is the charity which looks after the Hills and Commons and is governed by the Malvern Hills Acts.

The Board of trustees is the body legally responsible for managing the Trust, with 11 of its trustees elected by the voters of Malvern, Guarlford, Colwall and Mathon.

The trustees are responsible for the strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that it is meeting its statutory and charitable objectives.

Election notices and further information can be found at malvernhills.org.uk/looking-after/election-may-2022/ .

The formal candidate statement is also available to view at the Trust offices (Manor House, Grange Road, Malvern).