Who We Are
The Friends of Hell Wath (FOHW) was formed in 2017 and became a registered charity (Reg Charity No 1195980) on 30th September 2021. Our aim is to help maintain and manage Hell Wath so that it continues to provide a good home to nature and a place to be enjoyed by people.
The Friends of Hell Wath support the work of Harrogate Borough Council who lease the site from the landowner, Tarmac Limited. We also work in partnership with the National Trust and Nidderdale AONB to deliver the objectives of the Skell Valley Project.
The Charity is currently administered by five Trustees but membership of the Friends of Hell Wath is open to all, and you don’t have to be a member to participate in our activities.
Get To Know The Trustees
As a registered charity, we are required to appoint Trustees to manage the affairs of the organisation. The number of Trustees, their appointment and their responsibilities are set out in the charity constitution.
John Pearse Appointed 23rd January 2025
I live locally and have a special interest in bats and UK small mammals. I am a committee member of the North Yorkshire Bat Group which actively works with FOHW to conserve bats and bat habitat on Hell Wath. I have a skills and experience in mammal surveying techniques (being a qualified bat surveyor) and habitat recording.
John has led projects to monitor bats on Hell Wath and the installation of bat boxes and tawny owl boxes on site. He is an active member of FOHW and is interested in improving the habitats and ecology of Hell Wath to benefit wildlife.
Matthew Adamson Appointed 23rd January 2025
I have had a lifelong interest in ecology and botany and I am a member of various natural history societies and actively involved in field meetings and surveys. I have written several reports and published articles. I also have been involved in monitoring the ecological management plan for a housing development in the west of Ripon where I manage a small woodland which has given me experience of the bureaucracy of land management. I am particularly interested in seeing how far it is possible to maintain a thriving natural habitat in a heavily used urban public space and in encouraging more people to take an active interest in looking after the places they habitually use.
Jane Horton Appointed 23rd January 2025
I have lived near Hell Wath since 2006 and have been a regular user of the site and volunteering with FOHW since I retired. This has given me an interest in the management of the site, its challenges and in protection of the Hell Wath Nature Reserve for the future – both for people and wildlife.
After a career in the NHS I have experience of working as part of a team to achieve aims for the common good. Volunteering on Hell Wath and being involved with the collaborations with the Skell Valley Project and Plantlife has given me the opportunity to develop my knowledge – and though far from being an expert, I can offer time and enthusiasm to help achieve FOHW goals.
Sylvia Lyons Appointed 4th June 2026
I’ve always loved spending time outdoors, so Hell Wath in Ripon is a place that’s very close to my heart. I care deeply about protecting our local environment and believe green spaces are vital for both wildlife and the community.
Sustainability is part of my everyday life. I make and use my own natural cleaning products instead of chemical cleaners, grow my own fruit and vegetables, and appreciate the many benefits of ivy, which provides food and shelter for wildlife while helping to improve biodiversity.
I’m a retired chef originally from Essex and spent several happy years running a pizza restaurant in Italy, being spoiled for the selection of fresh local produce daily before returning to England and continuing to work in the Catering industry. I’m also a proud parent of two grown-up children and two wonderful grandchildren.
I enjoy the opportunity to support and help care for Hell Wath, giving something back to a place that brings so much enjoyment to so many people.
Carol Leo Appointed Treasurer
Having retired from a successful business management career, including qualification as a chartered accountant, I was looking for a local opportunity that used my skills but also fitted with my love of the countryside and outdoor pursuits.
When my husband and I moved to Ripon in 2015 we were delighted to find a house that backs on to Hell Wath. We appreciate having this beautiful area of recreational green space literally on our doorstep.
When the Friends of Hell Wath was established, I volunteered for the role of Treasurer, a position I have held as committee member and now as a Trustee. I have been delighted to use my knowledge and experience to help with the administration and development of this group. My husband and I also participate in many of the ‘hands-on’ activities organised by the Friends of Hell Wath.
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