Our trustees are at the heart of Penny Conservation. Bringing together a wide range of professional expertise and lived experience, they share a deep commitment to protecting our natural environment and supporting thriving communities. Acting in the best interests of the charity, our trustees provide clear governance, strategic direction, and thoughtful oversight — ensuring that our work remains ethical, impactful, and true to our mission.
Caroline Kay
Trustee
Caroline is a PA to the Executive Directors of family run hotel group in Windermere, Cumbria, with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. A farmer's daughter with strong local roots, dedication, and a deep understanding of rural life to her professional role.
David Spiby
Trustee
David acts as the administrator for the charity. David is a resident of Troutbeck Windermere and cares deeply about our natural environment , which he enjoys through walking and mountain biking. Prior to retirement David worked in Telecommunications in a variety of roles including business development.
Douglas Dale
Trustee
Originally from Blackpool, qualified with a degree in hotelkeeping before spending an entire career in hospitality. With over 40 years service with English Lakes Hotels, residing in Windermere, where my two children grew up. Retired in 2020 , living in Silverdale , AONB, married to Geraldine, hobbies include golf and enjoying the countryside.
Emma Underwood
Trustee
Emma's key focus, both within the Penny Conservation charity and within their wider career, has been driving sustainability initiatives. Outside of the charity, Emma has been General Manager at Lancaster House Hotel and throughout more than 15 years of experience at the English Lakes Hotels group, has built a deep understanding of operations and leadership. In this role, Emma has led numerous projects and worked closely with external partners to achieve sustainability accreditations.
Jamie Allison
Trustee
Jamie Allison is a partner and executive committee member at Napthens LLP as well as being their Head of Real Estate and Head of Cumbria. Jamie has worked in the North-West legal sector for 21 years and is currently based out of law offices in Kendal. Jamie's involvement with the charity stems from an extensive network of clients across the region and a deep personal connection to the Lake District and Cumbria.
Godfrey Owen
Trustee
Godfrey Owen has lived and worked in Cumbria for most of his adult life. He has spent much of that time supporting people of all ages to reach their potential, using the Lake District as an inspiring backdrop. He continues to enjoy the hills and lakes, whenever he can, rain or shine.
Rob Bowyer
Trustee
Rob is a native of the Lake District. He is a Land Agent and Chartered Surveyor and is passionate about supporting Cumbria, its landscape and the people who maintain it. Rob manages traditional rural estates on behalf of a handful of families in Cumbria and Lancashire
John Haley
Trustee
John is a Commercial Property Partner at Edwin Thompson LLP who are a firm of Chartered Surveyors and Land Agents and he is based at the South Lakes offices in Windermere and Kendal. He specialises in commercial land and property including agency sales, lettings and acquisitions, valuations, general professional work and management of estates. He has a particular interest in creating and managing investment opportunities for private and institutional investors.
Jonquil Cook
Trustee
Jonquil grew up in the southeast of England with strong family ties to the Lake District. An art historian and ceramic artist, widely traveled, she is also a passionate hiker and climber, escaping to the mountains whenever possible. She is a director of English Lake Hotels and lives in south London.