Meet the team
Councillor Sarah Dyke
Environment Portfolio Holder
As portfolio holder for the environment at SSDC I am passionate about the work we are doing to create a safer more sustainable and indeed even more beautiful South Somerset. I love where I live and know you do too, so I'm really passionate about the role I play at SSDC to deliver green projects and initiatives to our countryside, communities and businesses. In our environment strategy we said we wanted to be the first generation to leave the planet in a better state than we found it and that is what we will do, together, if we all do our bit and live kinder more sustainable lives.
Katy Menday,
Leisure & Rec Manager
After a few years teaching field studies post-graduation, I started work at Ham Hill as an assistant ranger, working with all sorts of groups and developing events. I understand how important natural greenspaces are for human health but that more must be done to conserve species and habitats for the future. Bringing an ecological background I co- lead delivery of the Environment Strategy with Vicki and the wider team.
Vicki Dawson,
Environment Lead Specialist
I've worked in Environmental Health for over 30 years, mostly specialising in Environmental Protection. For the last 2 years I've been co-lead in delivering our Environment Strategy. I have a keen interest in the Environment and am passionate about helping the Council and the community drive down its carbon footprint, protect its biodiversity and address the impacts of the climate and ecological emergency.
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Cara Naden,
Environment Specialist
I’ve been working in the environment sector for about 20 years since graduating from Goldsmiths with a degree in Eco Design. Most of this time I’ve worked with many communities and organisations in South Somerset, and across the county, helping to support all on our journeys to carbon neutrality. I am particularly experienced in, and passionate about, eco living, eco building and renovation, electric transport, waste reduction/reuse and renewable energy. I also love tree and hedge planting (and laying) and engaging with nature. As SSDC’s Environment Specialist I’m here to help deliver the environment strategy and support the council and community get to carbon neutrality by 2030.
Josh Bennett,
Environment Specialist
My background is in agriculture and environmental policy, where my master’s degree led me to the area of species reintroduction and restoration within the UK, and included consultation on beaver reintroduction, peat bog and river restoration. I’m passionate about my role in the environment team, and how it will help enable our communities to restore and conserve the natural environment, where we progress our district to be in a better state than we found it, and where it is protected and enhanced for the future.