Our Trustees

Martyn Smith

Chair

Martyn Smith was appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees in December 2024.

He is also the Finance Trustee. With a degree in Natural Sciences, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a career in finance within the private sector working with both public and private businesses, Martyn now runs his own consultancy business.

Martyn has several years' governance experience and brings a strong strategic approach to our financial management. He has enjoyed visiting Westonbirt for over 35 years.

Martyn Smith joined the Board in January 2018.

Paul Isherwood

Vice Chair

During my career in senior scientific and technical roles within the food & drink industry, I managed cross-functional, collaborative teams of people, developing and launching new products, meeting quality, food safety and regulatory standards. I achieved an end-to-end supply chain agreement to reduce the company footprint, by focusing on innovations in packaging, increased recyclability, savings in energy & water use, plus carbon impacts.

I am passionate about sustainability and the long-term protection of the environment and believe that my skills and experience will be of great value, bringing ideas that will inspire people through education, participation and conservation. In addition, by adopting a hands-on, getting things done approach, I look forward to helping develop the science, learning and recreation facilities.

Paul Isherwood joined the Board in July 2022.

Sarah Bryars

Vice Chair

Sarah brings with her extensive experience in PR and communications, as the former chief executive, co-owner, and director of an award-winning PR agency. Sarah provides invaluable support and guidance on strategy development, marketing and communications.

Sarah Bryars joined the Board in May 2024.

Martin Allman

Trustee

Westonbirt Arboretum has been an important part of my family's life for almost 20 years. I'm thrilled to be able to support the arboretum's continuing success as a Trustee.

Martin Allman joined the Board in May 2025.

Owen Forster

Trustee

Owen has worked in the energy industry for over 20 years in a variety of commercial and business development roles in both the UK and abroad and studied engineering and environmental studies. He has experience working on boards of renewables companies as well as previously being a trustee and vice chair of a large occupational pension fund. In his spare time, Owen enjoys spending time with his young family, music and learning.

Owen Forster joined the Board in July 2022.

Kit Hare

Trustee

As a local, I am fortunate in having spent many hours at the arboretum. I strongly believe that being outdoors and connected with nature has enormous physical and mental benefits for everyone, and Westonbirt Arboretum has provided a wonderful outlet for me and my young family. I look forward to playing my small part in ensuring the next generation understand the importance of trees and the role they play in conservation.

Kit Hare joined the Board in May 2025.

Emma Skuse

Trustee

I am delighted to be joining the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum Board as a Trustee and look forward to supporting this amazing place that we are so lucky to have in our local area.

Emma Skuse joined the Board in May 2025.

Sian Troupe

Trustee

Sian has a background in risk management and governance, having worked in the Financial Services sector for over 15 years. In her role as a trustee, Sian brings a strategic and operational risk management challenge and perspective as well as Board experience. Sian lives locally, has been a passionate member of Westonbirt for many years and is keen to support the arboretum's future development.

Sian Troupe joined the Board in July 2022.

Rachel Walker

Trustee

Rachel has worked in HR for over 15 years for a variety of organisations, including 6 years as HR manager for the Tower of London with the charity Historic Royal Palaces. Rachel can use her experience of working as an HR leader within a visitor attraction and charity to help develop and support the Friends' people strategy. Since relocating from London to Wiltshire in 2018 she has enjoyed exploring Westonbirt with her family.

Rachel Walker joined the Board in April 2019.

Ronny Helvey

Independent Director

Ronny Helvey has had a successful career as Brand and Marketing Director for several major high street lifestyle bands including The Body Shop and Joules. He is also currently Board Chair at the Friends of the Royal United Hospital, Bath. With his in-depth commercial experience of the customer journey and product development working both in the commercial and charity sectors, Ronny is a great support to the development of the shop enhancing customers' visits to Westonbirt.

"Volunteering to support Westonbirt as an Independent Director of Enterprises gives me a great sense of purpose by being able to share my experience and encourage visitors to discover more and enjoy both the great outdoors and shopping, so they share how great it was and tempt others to visit too."

Tracey Scully

Independent Director

Tracey Scully brings a wealth of experience in driving brand growth for premium household names, including Shark Ninja and Dyson both in the UK and globally. Throughout her career, she has led both small and large business units, consistently delivering outstanding commercial results. Tracey is passionate about fantastic service, product innovation and outstanding all round consumer experience.

"Developing exceptional customer experience backed by exceptional products creates outcomes that people love to share with their friends. By putting the customer at the heart of everything, I strongly believe in giving consumers a voice to share their experiences, both positive and constructive, and using that feedback to continuously improve. I am excited to contribute to the incredible work that the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum do to ensure every visit is a memorable one."