Dr Robert Kirby-Harris has been appointed as the new chairman of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership.

He will lead a partnership of nineteen organisations who together manage Cornwall’s protected landscape.

Bob has a distinguished background in science and education. He recently retired as chief executive of the Institute of Physics, based in London. He is looking forward to the challenge: “Cornwall has been my main base for the last 30 years.

"My family grew up here and I have a good knowledge of the county and most of the AONB areas. I have many years experience leading and managing significant national and international  organisations and bring a deep commitment to and interest in conservation and the natural environment and  a particular passion for the protected landscapes in Cornwall.”