Meet our new Director

We’re excited to announce that we have appointed a new Director to the GMET: Roger Pearson. We sat down with him for a quick Q&A during his first week in post to find out more about our newest team member...
A selfie of a man in a grey suit with a blue lanyard standing in front of pine trees

1. Welcome to the team, Roger! What attracted you to the role of GMET Director? What impact do you hope to have?

 
The GMET is making a real difference by helping communities create greener, healthier places to live, and that’s what drew me to the role.

I’m passionate about bringing people, organisations and funding together to deliver lasting environmental change.

As Director, I want to build on the fantastic work already happening across Greater Manchester, helping more communities access the funding and support they need to transform local green spaces and create a region where both people and nature can thrive. 

2. What experience do you bring to the GMET team?
 

Throughout my career, I’ve worked across the environmental, charitable and public sectors, developing partnerships and delivering projects that create positive social and environmental impact.

I’m looking forward to adding that experience to the GMET team and working with partners across Greater Manchester to help deliver even more fantastic projects. 

A man in a waxed jacket and jeans stands on a leafy path in some woodland

3. One of the main aims of our Green Spaces Fund is to increase the amount of accessible, nature-rich green space in all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester. Why do you personally think this is important?
 

Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy high-quality green spaces close to where they live.

This was brought into sharp focus during the Covid lockdown periods. Nature-rich parks, woodlands and community spaces improve our physical and mental wellbeing, support wildlife, help tackle climate change and bring communities together.

Investing in accessible green spaces is an investment in healthier and happier neighbourhoods, and I’m proud to be part of an organisation helping make that vision a reality across the city region.
 

4. What is your favourite green space? 
 

My favourite green space has to be the new Mayfield Park in Manchester. What makes it so special is that it was created before the surrounding development, putting people and nature at the heart of the area from the very beginning.

It’s a fantastic example of how green spaces can help transform urban environments, creating a place where citizens can relax, connect and enjoy the outdoors. It also proves that parks aren’t just for children, Mayfield Park’s slides are great fun for adults too! 

A man in a baseball cap, a waxed jacket and jeans smiles at the camera next to a black dog, on a beach

5. Tell us a surprising fact about yourself.
 

I love travelling and discovering new countries, communities and experiences, but I’m also mindful of my family’s carbon footprint. Rather than flying, we’ve chosen lower-carbon adventures, from interrailing across Europe to road trips through Morocco.

However, my most memorable journey was much closer to home. My young children and I took on our own mini “Race Across the World”, travelling from the North West of England to the northern tip of the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides using whatever transport we could find - apart from flying or driving.

Along the way, we met some wonderful people, made lasting memories and discovered that the journey itself can be just as rewarding as the destination. It also gave us the chance to build trust and confidence together as a family.

Safe to say, we’re already planning our next challenge. 

A black and white selfie of Roger with an alpaca

Our new Director (right) 

As GMET Director, Roger provides strategic leadership for the Greater Manchester Environment Trust, driving our mission to create a greener, more climate-resilient city region. 

To get in touch, contact rpearson@gmet.org.uk.

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