About us

Our small but mighty team works from our office in Braunton. We are a wonderful mix of skills, talents and experiences all dedicated to delivering on our mission and passionate about the community we live in.

Earth Action North Devon Team

Meet the Team

  • Claire Moodie

    Chief Executive

    I am a mother, surfer, cold water swimmer, nature loving outdoor sporting enthusiast who is dedicated to improving and protecting our fragile planet. I have put my heart and soul into Earth Action North Devon (previously Plastic Free North Devon) for the last 7 years, utilising my previous skills, education and experience around the world to really deliver for the environment and community in North Devon, my home.

    From my undergraduate degree in Marine Geography to coral gardening in the Seychelles, to a PGCE in Secondary Geography, to working as an offshore hydrographic surveyor, to surf and cold water swimming instructing, my vast experience is rooted in my passion and joy for the outdoors and education.

    I hold unwavering hope in my fellow humans, that with the right knowledge, provision and opportunities we can collectively build a thriving and healthier planet - and I'm dedicated to that journey.

  • Anne-Marie Eveleigh

    Operations Manager

    After working in sustainability and health in New Zealand I returned to North Devon with my family and found the EAND tribe!

    Being part of this passionate and inspiring team of individuals gives me hope in what our community can achieve in what can seem like an unpredictable world.

    Seeing the impact of our projects and campaigns on a regular basis keeps the fire burning on how we can make a difference in our corner of the world and beyond. I am excited with what the future holds.

  • Libby Bowles

    Education Coordinator

    Having spent 14 years as a marine conservation biologist and teacher, I’ve seen our effect on the planet and love firing up young people’s environmental passion.  I’ve cycled my homemade bamboo bike around several countries delivering marine conservation workshops, I’ve driven a litter-picking boat made of recycled plastic bottles and I’ve created environmental learning resources to help overstretched teachers. 

    I’m delighted to be working with North Devon young people, to be the best we can be for the planet! In my free time, I love being outside, in and near the sea, and volunteer with British Divers Marine Life Rescue, Marine Strandings Network and Pets As Therapy.

  • Gill Bunnell

    Finance & Admin

    I've lived by the sea for almost all my life and for around 15 years in the South West. We moved to North Devon in 2022 with our two dogs and like nothing better than to be outdoors with them, usually on the gorgeous beaches we're so lucky to have on our doorstep.

    Having completed the South West Coast Path in 2024, I now appreciate our beautiful coastline even more. We need to all work together to protect our environment for our children, grandchildren and future generations.

  • Jason Gale

    Communications Coordinator

    I grew up in Westward Ho! and spent much of my childhood in the rock pools, fascinated by the abundant marine life at that time.

    After training in London, I stayed on for 30 years, running a marketing/design agency alongside working as an artist.

    I recently returned to the area to find a very changed environment. I'm very inspired by the actions and ambition of EAND and I'm excited to be able to make a difference to an area close to my heart.

  • Beth Woollam

    Communications Assistant

    I grew up in West Somerset and ended up in North Devon 20 years ago for teaching work. I love being outside and have never willingly lived far from the coast.

    I was taught a lot about looking after and appreciating our natural environment by my family, which I have carried through into my adult life.

    Now, I love nothing better than a good dog walk and cleaning up the beach. I have a passion for creativity and reusing materials and enjoy sharing awareness on social media. Working with EAND, helps me contribute positively to our planet.

  • Lorna Jones

    Sustainability Strategist aka Fundraiser

    I was raised in North Devon, and came back to live after exploring the big wide world.  It’s a very special place.  It’s changed a lot in my lifetime, with lots more houses and people than ever before.   Growth is vital if this place we love is to stay vibrant, but protecting the green and blue spaces is essential to ensure it remains special for future generations.

    So when I’m not slaving over a hot laptop, schmoozing the Trusts and Foundations that make our work possible, you’ll find me out on the moors or the beaches with my furry friends.    

Donate Now

Our Trustees

  • Hamish Ferguson

    Chair of Trustees

    Originally from Scotland, Annie and I moved to North Devon with our sons James and Jack some years ago. We were drawn to the area because of the raw and wild similarities and friendly welcoming people. 

    Since I can remember, the natural world has been an important part of who I am and how I experience this life. It’s something we enjoy as a family too.  

    Somewhere in the last few decades as a society we’ve taken a wrong turn, where we’ve become disconnected from nature. As a result the decisions we take and the things we do are damaging our natural world.  We see that every day in North Devon on our beaches in the form of marine plastic.  The reality however is that this is just one area where we need to change the way we live in harmony with nature.  At Earth Action North Devon, led by the passionate Claire Moodie, we are on the front line of education and advocacy and action, with the local community, businesses and the tourism industry. 

    As a surfer and swimmer in our seas, I won’t rest until we’ve turned the tide on plastic. We have already had an important impact locally and I passionately believe we can continue to do more, through education and action with our communities, businesses, schools and tourists.

  • Lyn Strahan

    Treasurer

    We moved to Croyde 16 years ago, to live by the sea and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. I’ve always been concerned about the impact of humans on the natural world but after watching the film “A Plastic Ocean” it became impossible to walk on the beach without seeing all the tiny pieces of plastic washed up, or to see people drinking from a takeaway coffee cup without breaking into a cold sweat!  

    I love the quote - “The greatest risk to our planet is the belief that someone else will fix it”.  It’s so true and so I had to step up.  Being part of Earth Action North Devon I have met fantastic people and love being part of a community making a real difference to their environment.

  • James Szymankiewicz

    Trustee

    I work as a GP in Ilfracombe, am a dad to a couple of very enthusiastic surfers and have been working with environmental charities for many years.

    Having lived, worked and surfed in North Devon for over 25 years I have seen first hand the negative impact our modern lifestyle has on our natural environment and also our physical and mental health. I have also seen the massive benefits that come from projects that help reconnect us to our stunning local natural environment.

    I feel very strongly that we can change things for the better, particularly now that I am working with such an awesome team at EAND!! I am really proud of what we have achieved in a short space of time but there is plenty more work to do!

  • Emma Reed

    Trustee

    I feel privileged to live in beautiful North Devon. My husband is from Devon and we chose to raise our family here. I have always been involved with community service since a child myself, feeling a strong sense of responsibility to contribute in gratitude for the community I so value being a part of. I believe we all have a part to play, no matter how small, in protecting our earth and helping our neighbours, and that every effort is important, which is why I volunteered to become a trustee of EAND.

    By day I am a commercial solicitor, having advised businesses for over 20 years and often providing pro bono advice for community and environmental initiatives. I have a particular interest in clean energy and sustainable businesses.

    In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors at every opportunity, cycling, surfing, swimming, running and hiking.

  • Hannah Lenton

    Trustee

    I am a yoga teacher living in the remote village of Parkham in North Devon. I moved here two years ago with my husband Jim and our German Shepherd, Bungle to embrace the beautiful landscapes, open spaces, and fresh air.

    In yoga, we believe in our deep connection to nature—we are not separate from it, but a part of it. We have only one planet, and I believe we can all do more to take care of it. I’m excited about learning more, doing more, and working alongside the brilliant Earth Action North Devon team to inspire others to join this collective effort. With 15 years of experience in charity development and campaign management, I hope to bring those skills to EAND and help to build on its solid foundations and amplify its impact in the local community.

Get involved

More from Earth Action North Devon

We have two affiliated businesses that support the work we do. The Croyde Ocean Triathlon is our main fundraiser and the Sustainable Business Resource helps businesses to become carbon neutral and sustainable.

Croyde Ocean TrIathlon The Sustainable Business resource