Urban Green Newcastle chief executive announces departure

The chief executive of Urban Green Newcastle has announced her departure, marking the end of an impactful tenure that strengthened the charity's role in preserving Newcastle’s green spaces.

Carol Pyrah, who took on the role in July 2022, will leave at the end of November to become chief operating officer at Ripon Cathedral.

During her time with Urban Green Newcastle, Carol forged key partnerships, developed revenue streams, and led initiatives such as Newcastle’s Nature Networks (NNN), which received £701,417 in funding to improve pollinator pathways across the city.

Jim Beirne MBE, chair of trustees at Urban Green Newcastle, said: “Carol has been an exceptionally creative and strategic chief executive, enabling a brilliant team of people at Urban Green Newcastle and cultivating great partnerships with stakeholders and trustees.”

Pam Smith, Newcastle City Council chief executive, added: “Our parks and green spaces are of great pride to the city, and I know Carol has worked tirelessly to ensure that continues to be the case.”

Under her leadership, Urban Green Newcastle also secured £183,000 to refurbish 22 city tennis courts and expanded creative programmes, including the art workshops at Springbank Pavilion in Leazes Park in partnership with Newcastle Hospitals Charity, enhancing community access to nature.

Carol added: “When I first joined the charity I was immediately struck by the dedication and passion of the amazing team that care for Newcastle’s parks and allotments every day.

“This commitment to deliver the very best for the city’s green spaces and the people of Newcastle has inspired me throughout my time at Urban Green Newcastle.

“We’ve seen a huge amount of investment in sport across the city’s parks, with improved football pitches at Walker Park and Paddy Freeman’s Park, as well as the complete transformation of Newcastle’s park tennis courts.

“I’m also very proud of the work the charity has delivered to improve nature and wildlife habitats across Newcastle.

“Through our initiative Let it Grow, we’ve been relaxing grass cutting to encourage more wildflowers, and more bees and butterflies, which in turn has a positive effect on our environment.

“Green spaces are hugely important for the health and wellbeing of Newcastle’s residents. By protecting our natural habitats and providing people with a place to enjoy nature, we’re investing in a cleaner and greener future that will benefit everyone.”

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