Trevor’s MBE honour for dedicated service to National Parks
January 16, 2025
Trevor Beattie, the long-serving former Chief Executive of the South Downs National Park Authority, is receiving an MBE for his services to the natural environment.
Trevor retired just over a year ago and was quite surprised to receive the good news that he was part of the New Year’s Honours list.
At the helm of the National Park for 12 years, he led the way across many important projects, including increasing access to the National Park from urban areas with major infrastructure routes such as the Centurion Way and Egrets Way.
A lover of the South Downs landscape since his childhood days in rural West Sussex, Trevor was instrumental in forging a strong identity for the South Downs National Park as its operation grew from humble beginnings in 2010.
Trevor played a key role in the acquisition of Seven Sisters Country Park to ensure it remained in public ownership and was passionate about providing a warm welcome to visitors with our entry signage. Overseeing our innovative nature and climate work, ensuring thousands of young people can access the National Park, a protagonist for the South Downs’ rich heritage, diversifying the National Park’s income steams to help invest more in the environment, and being a strong advocate for affordable housing are among Trevor’s other achievements – yet he remains as humble as ever.
Trevor, who lives in Hove, says: “I’m both surprised and very pleased to receive this award. It’s recognition of all that has been achieved by the brilliant team at the South Downs National Park. I’m looking forward to my day at the Palace when I shall take every opportunity to emphasise the importance of National Parks – and to stress how much more still needs to be done.”
Vanessa Rowlands, Chair of the National Park Authority, said: “This MBE is recognition of Trevor’s outstanding contribution to the National Parks movement and our commitment to a better natural world that everyone can understand, appreciate and enjoy. These special places were designated for the nation and this was always front and centre of Trevor’s thinking. He should be very proud of his achievements and this high honour is well-deserved.”