Ecological Advisory Panel

The Ecological Advisory Panel (EAP) is a sub-committee of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy Committee (ESSC) providing strategic oversight of our commitment to biodiversity and ecosystems.

Terms of reference

  • provide strategic oversight of the University’s commitment to biodiversity and ecosystems embodied in its Environmental Sustainability Vision, Policy and Strategy and any future, relevant strategic outputs from the University
  • oversee, and provide advice and guidance on, the undertaking of a baseline assessment of biodiversity on the University estate and measurement of progress against this baseline assessment
  • oversee, and provide advice and guidance on, delivery and review of progress of a Biodiversity Action Plan for the University
  • make recommendations in relation to resource requirements for the implementation of this plan
  • provide expert advice and guidance in regard to ecological matters relating to the University estate
  • guide development of a baseline assessment of the biodiversity impacts of the University’s operations and supply chains and provide a mechanism for reducing and mitigating these impacts
  • undertake horizon scanning, identifying opportunities to work in partnership, and/or engage the University and wider community in the importance of conserving and enhancing biodiversity
  • act as ambassadors for biodiversity matters at the University and beyond

Membership

  • Prof Melissa Leach (Chair), Executive Director, Cambridge Conservation Initiative
  • Prof Andrew Balmford, Conservation Science, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
  • Nynke Blomer, Student representative, Agroecology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
  • Prof Lynn Dicks, Agroecology Lead, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
  • Prof Brian Eversham, Chief Executive Officer, The Wildlife Trust BCN
  • Dr Justin Gerlach, Chair of the Cambridge Colleges Biodiversity Working Group, Director of Studies in Natural Sciences (Biology), Peterhouse, Cambridge
  • Dr Annette Green, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge
  • Dr William Morgan, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge (deputy for Prof Andrew Balmford)
  • Sacchi Shin-Clayton, Student representative, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
  • Prof Edgar Turner, Curator of Insects, Museum of Zoology, University of Cambridge
  • Dr. Raphaella Hull, Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Officers

Environmental Sustainability Team, Estates Division

  • Dr Sally Pidgeon, Head of Environmental Sustainability
  • Dr Aspen Reese, Biodiversity Manager
  • Rachel Steward, Head of Environmental Management (EAP Secretary)

Wider Estates Division staff

  • Mark Jermy, Senior Grounds Supervisor
  • Peter Wilderspin, Rural Surveyor

Updated October 2025