19 April 2006

Two new appointments have brought the RSPB’s reserves team in Eastern England up to strength.

David Horsfall is the RSPB’s new regional land agent, based at the Society’s regional office in Norwich. Rachel Burbidge has the new role of Assistant Property Manager.

David, 37, is responsible for estate management on 23 nature reserves in Eastern England covering some 10,406 hectares (25,700 acres). He joins the RSPB after 14 years of land agency in Norwich with James Steggles, Strutt & Parker and most recently with Savills.

He brings with him plenty of countryside experience as for much of this time he was working with farmers and landowners. This will continue with the RSPB, especially over grazing agreements with livestock owners.

David’s role will include securing through negotiation the acquisition of land, be that freehold, leased or in management agreements. He takes over from Stephen Hare who has moved to the RSPB’s headquarters at Sandy in Bedfordshire to become Senior Land Agent.

In his spare time, David plays golf and football. Other interests include modern jive dancing (Ceroc) and cycling.

Rachel Burbidge, in the new role of Assistant Property Manager, is mostly dealing with buildings, working alongside David in the Eastern England reserves team. Rachel, 32, joins the RSPB from North Norfolk District Council where her many and varied roles included countryside advice and property management. Her role promoting recycling for the Council was in a period when there was an increase in the District’s recycling from 17 – 36%. She has a background in estate surveying and negotiations in estate agency.

She is following up her keen interest in gardening with a Royal Horticultural Society course, and enjoys walking, cycling and craft.