How to be an Environmental Custodian Reimagining Leadership for a Shared Future

Introduction: Why We Wrote This Book Chapter 1. What Is Custodianship? Chapter 2. How Do Custodians Lead? Chapter 3. Finding your Starting Point: From Values to Action Chapter 4. Finding Your Place: Where Should I Focus My Efforts? Chapter 5. Focusing on Real Outcomes: What Do I Want to Achieve? Chapter 6. Advocacy: Who Do I Need to Influence? Chapter 7. Working Alongside Others: How Do I Help people Thrive and Deliver? Chapter 8. Convening – Bringing People Together, Building Trust Chapter 9. Making Change Real: How Do We Make a Difference? Chapter 10. Sustaining Yourself: How Do I Stay the Course? Chapter 11. Next Steps on the Custodian’s Way

Biography

Alison Barnes has led local, national, and international landscape and biodiversity delivery across government, the conservation sector and national parks for 30 years. A founding Director at Natural England and a co-founder of the National Park City movement, she is now Chief Executive of New Forest National Park Authority and a Fellow of the Landscape Institute and RSA.

Jonathan Males grew up in Tasmania, where early encounters with wilderness shaped a lifelong commitment to people and nature. A psychologist and Accredited Master Executive Coach, he has supported elite athletes and worked with leaders in organisations including Natural England and the Environment Agency. He holds a PhD from Aberystwyth University.

"Making peace with Nature in a safe and just world will only happen with a collective transformation in leadership. The most powerful action for all of us is to make the shift in our own hearts and minds. This book offers valuable insights for anyone stepping out on the journey."

Mike Clark, Honorary Vice President and former CEO of RSPB (The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds)

"This is a wonderfully practical book that felt fresh and engaging with lots of examples that draw you in as a reader while also drawing from research with real custodians. Indeed, the talk of custodianship is refreshing and inclusive.  I found many examples and practical hints that are of great value, for example the inspiring 10 key practices near the start.  The book also values diversity of approach with no one leadership style favoured. The sense of connectedness and collaboration – to each other, to the land - really shines through, as does the dislocation from place that may happen. A definite must for the bookshelves."

Eve Turner, Winner of 2023 EMCC Global Special President’s Award and the 2025 Coaching at Work Lifetime Achievement Award

"At a time of ecological emergency, this is an incredibly hopeful, practical and powerful book. It is packed with wisdom, strategies and ideas that can radically improve our relationship with nature and each other just when we need it most. 

Custodianship is about driving, delivering, convening, enabling and advocating for a better future. By using their deep expertise and years of experience, Alison and Jonathan brilliantly weave together stories, examples and ways of thinking that will help you become more effective in your work - and invite you to step into yourself as a custodian.

If everyone who cared about the environment read and acted on this book life on our planet would be transformed for the better.

Everyone working for the environment should read this book."

Daniel Raven Ellison, Guerilla Geographer and founder of Slow Ways and National Park Cities

“This timely book sparkles with original ideas about the role of efficacious environmental custodians. Read it. Be inspired.”

Alida Gersie, Author, Environmentalist, Trainer, and Internationally Recognized Authority on Story and Well-Rooted, Collaborative Change

“We are alive at a time of great importance, but also at a time when many people feel overwhelmed and bewildered. This book, crammed with examples and ideas will bring you to the realisation that there are many ways to express your care for the planet and all the life on it, and you just have to pick something which makes sense to you. And start on it, today!” 

Etienne Stott, Environmental Campaigner and Olympic Gold Medallist

"I found myself quite emotional and moved by the way the content and the framing spoke to me.  It is both an inspiring philosophy and a practical topographical field guide.  I love how you've woven together such a rich tapestry of real stories, proposed approaches and underpinning concepts."

Anna Brown, Board Director (Supervision, Climate & Sustainability) at APECS