A charity dedicated to the promotion of sustainable and resilient moorlands has appointed a new director.

Katrina Kandy joins The Heather Trust following eight years with Bidwell's property consultants as head of communications in Scotland.

Prior to this, she was head of PR and education with the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust for 13 years.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Trust as it embarks upon a number of new initiatives that aim to raise awareness of the importance of our UK moorlands at a time of climatic, political, and managerial change.

She said: “I’m looking forward to working with the very focussed team at The Heather Trust to enhance appreciation, deliver impactful events and meaningful research into our iconic moorland landscapes,” said Katrina who is a Chartered PR Practitioner.

“We cannot underestimate the importance of these habitats for economic, social, and of course environmental reasons which are now being viewed through a sharpened natural capital lens.

“A collaborative approach with sustainable objectives is key to ensuring resilient moorlands for the benefit of all. One of the main areas of focus in 2024 will be the delivery of the UK Wildfire Conference in Aberdeen in November.

“This flagship event will attract delegates, sponsors, industry experts, scientists and thought leaders from all over the world and will be an excellent opportunity to share and learn as we face the global climate emergency.”

Founded in the 1980s The Heather Trust was set up to reconcile grouse and sheep farming interests on moorland.

Since then, the remit of the charity has expanded in response to environmental issues and it seeks to promote the value of the increasingly rare heather moorland habitat and to reconcile economic, social, and environmental interests in moorland management.