ANNE-MARIE EVELEIGH
Ringmaster

AKA

Operations Manager

As a mum of three I am passionate about ensuring that we preserve and protect our environment for future generations. I am a true believer in the power of individual actions and felt that now was the time to act. Joining this group of passionate individuals has been inspiring and I am excited about what we are going to be able to achieve in the future.

CLAIRE MOODIE
Sea-E-O

AKA

Chief Executive

I am an avid surfer, lover of the marine environment and all things outdoors, this makes me passionate about the need to protect and preserve this fragile resource. Not only does it fulfil and enrich so many people’s lives but the future of the human race ultimately depends on its health. Having worked on many conservation projects around the world including working as a Surfers Against Sewage representative for the last 5 years means I have not only come face to face with some of the worlds most majestic creatures and witnessed the issues they face but I have seen what happens when people come together to tackle an issue to create positive change within their communities. This is exactly what we are trying to do here in North Devon and I am so proud of what we and our very supportive local community have achieved so far and I’m very excited to see what else we can do.

GILL BUNNELL
Circus Wrangler

AKA

Finance & Administration

I've lived by the sea for almost all my life and for more than 10 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. We've noticed the increase in plastic pollution and always come back with arms and pockets full of it, so being able to actively support Plastic Free North Devon is something dear to my heart. We'd like our children and grandchildren to be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery that this country provides and for its beauty to be preserved for future generations.

HANNAH KNIGHT

Creative Comms Whizz

AKA

Comms Coordinator

I have lived by the coast in North Devon all of my life, other than a few years travelling, living and working abroad and going to university. This is my home and, to me, the most special place in the world.

I grew up on a small working farm, always immersed in outdoor living and with animals. This has carried forward into my adult life where I spend any moment I can in the sea, walking or generally exploring in nature.

It has been heartbreaking to see the humanity’s destruction of our environment both in my travels and in our area, yet humbling to see real-life super heroes like Claire and Anne-Marie who have formed this incredible ‘get-stuff-done’ charity.

I have been long inspired by their mission and the passionate PFND volunteers, so I was delighted to join the team and use my skills for a good cause.

LIBBY BOWLES

Facilitator of planet-saving superheroes

AKA

Education Coordinator

Having spent 6 years mostly underwater, working as a marine conservation biologist, I saw firsthand the haunting effects of humans on the marine environment.  I returned to my previous career as a teacher, to connect young people with the natural world and inspire them to become real-life planet-saving superheroes.  My students told me that I needed to inspire a LOT more young people, to make more superheroes.  So, I made myself a bike out of grass and cycled it round several countries delivering school workshops on marine conservation.  Next, I drove a boat made of recycled plastic bottles around Bristol harbour, taking people out litter-picking and I created learning resources to help overstretched teachers to educate on environmental issues.  Now, here I am in magical North Devon, working with wonderful people, connecting young people with nature and seeing what great things we can achieve when we all work together! In my free time, you’ll find me walking the coast path with my dog, sea dipping and volunteering with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue and Marine Strandings Network teams. 

BETH WOOLLAM

The Other Comms Whizz

AKA

Comms Assistant

I am happier outside and have grown up and lived on the coast in the South-West, never having lived very far from the sea willingly. I have always been creative with reusing and making things, and have always enjoyed learning skills to do this. I was taught a lot about looking after and appreciating our natural environment by my family and always remember being passionate about issues to do with all things to do with the natural environment.

Years of travelling and experiencing different parts of the world ignited much passion for our planet but at times some despair. I then later became a teacher and embraced sharing this passion (and the not so great things) for many years (and still do!) in a classroom and have often ended up engineering a whole topic around saving a Rainforest animal or adopting a Polar Bear.

Having my own children has made this ever more important and in recent years I have taken the time to mix up my dog walks and time outside with beach cleans, finding plastic beach treasure, using it for artwork and sharing awareness on social media. The mammoth amounts of plastic waste has led me deeper into understanding climate change and reflecting on our societal choices and those I make at home. Joining the PFND team means that I am learning more all the time, whilst contributing to community and (hopefully) planetary action.