With a degree in Geography from Cambridge and a life-long passion for the natural world and sustainability, Claire started her career in advertising and marketing in London. This was followed by several years at an environmental charity working on strategy, communications, events and fundraising.

When Claire and her husband, James, took over Doddington Hall from her parents in 2006, she drew on this experience and passion to prepare and protect this historic estate for generations to come.

Claire’s first major project was restoring the walled kitchen garden so it could once again grow fruit and vegetables for a new farm shop and café. Together with James, Claire continued using her knowledge of sustainability and her skills in fundraising to help deliver many different projects including the restoration of 17th century tapestries in the Hall, installing the first biomass boiler in the county and opening new business across the estate.

Most recently, Claire launched Wilder Doddington. This ambitious project strives to become an exemplar of a ‘Natural Capital’ approach by showing the full value of restoring nature -environmentally, socially, and economically.

American Claire Brainerd adopted Lincolnshire as her home nearly thirty years ago. She now owns and manages Stubton Hall, a country house and events venue near Newark.

Claire is also an art historian, specialising in Italian art and collecting from the 15th – 17th centuries. She is passionate about celebrating and preserving the heritage of her adopted country, particularly stately homes, their contents and their surroundings.

“When I first visited Doddington Hall as a tourist in the 1980s, little did I know that I would one day move to Lincolnshire and become so intrinsically involved with the future of this great Elizabethan house and its surrounding land.”

Lucy is a casual naturalist, wildlife communicator and proud nature nerd.

She currently campaigns on wildlife issues, as well as sharing her wild finds and passion for nature on social media. Following a cancer diagnosis in her early 20s, Lucy is a big advocate of green prescriptions and wants to see fair, equitable and widespread access to nature for people.

“It’s properly exciting to imagine Wilder Doddington’s ambitions coming to fruition. A place of history opening its doors to people and wildlife alike. I’m looking forward to seeing the project connect local folks with the land at Doddington, and see the results for nature there too.”

Dr Jason O’Rourke, Headteacher of Washingborough Academy, is renowned for creating the school’s pioneering curriculum emphasising healthy living and food education.

The academy is the only school to have an in-house caterer with the Soil Association’s prestigious Gold Catering Mark. As the UK representative on the SAPERE International Board, co-founder and trustee of TastEd, and a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on School Food, Jason has significantly contributed to the field. He received the Educatering School Food Plan Awards in 2016 and The Caroline Walker Trust Food Hero of The Year 2019, aligning with his doctorate focus on Food Education and School Leadership.

Mary Powell is Tourism Manager for Lincolnshire County Council.

She first became involved with the restoration of the Doddington tapestries in an innovative partnership with Lincoln Castle.

“Doddington Hall is a very special place. The lovely house and gardens all with fascinating stories to tell; Sir John Delaval being a particular favourite character of mine. The Doddington Estate is always looking forward to the future and the plans for Wilder Doddington are really impactful and will definitely make a difference. A treat to be involved.”

Emma Tatlow is the Chief Executive of Active Lincolnshire.

With a great understanding of the benefit that nature and green spaces have on people’s physical and mental wellbeing, Emma understands the positive impact that access to places like Doddington has on local people’s lives.

With many years of experience working in tourism, marketing and communications, Emma is proud to be a part of the team of Trustees supporting Doddington in its commitment to the future.

“Living close to Doddington Hall, I have seen the business develop and grow over the last decade. I am a frequent visitor - as a keen cyclist to the bike shop and the Georgie Twigg Track, relaxing with yoga on the lawn in the summer and visiting the farm shop and café for brunch. I am excited to be a part of this next phase in the development of the estate, that will bring so many benefits to the environment and to local people.”