Dr Simone Lowthe-Thomas

Starting life as an ecologist and then working on sustainable energy, community

regeneration and sustainable development, Simone has been working with communities, businesses, government and academia for over 25 years. Currently Director for Nature and Climate at Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Simone is working in partnership to accelerate a response to our climate, water and nature crises, in a way that works for both people and the natural world.

Previous experience and roles include CEO at Severn Wye Energy Agency (a Fuel Poverty and Sustainable Energy Charity), Vice-President of Fedarene (European Federation of Energy Agencies), Founding Member of Community Energy Wales and as a Research Associate and Manager of Wales Biomass Centre (Cardiff University Research Centre on Bioenergy).

Simone brings a very practical community based background and expertise in developing approaches to engagement and involvement having supported and developed some of the first community owned energy schemes, ‘Cynefin’ a Welsh Government Programme which demonstrate co-production and place-based approaches, and working with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Commissioners Office to develop guidance for the ways of working (Sustainable Development Principles).She has held voluntary roles including as Chair of Governors and has been a STEM Ambassador for 25 years.