Welcoming Bryony to the Biosphere Communities Team

A very warm hello! 

My name is Bryony James, and I’ve recently taken up the baton from previous coordinator, Tom Humphreys, on the Biosphere Communities Project.​

I’m thrilled to be here, working on the Biosphere Communities project in stunning North Devon. What drew me to this role – and to the team – are the diverse communities, varied habitats, and the ethos behind the project. 

I believe deeply in the power of nurturing sustainable action within communities over time. Community co-design is at the heart of this work, and I’m excited to collaborate with you to create positive change where you live, work, and play. 

Over the coming months, I’ll be getting out and about across the Biosphere, meeting local groups, listening to community priorities, and supporting new and ongoing initiatives. My vision is to help create resilient, connected communities who feel confident shaping the future of their local environment. 

I’m a Northerner but have been based in the Southwest for over a decade now – one glimpse at the blue sea and I was hooked. This landscape means a great deal to me, and that sense of belonging fuels my passion for safeguarding it for the future. When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking along one of our scenic paths, visiting the beach with my dog, foraging, and trying my hand at an obscure craft. 

Before joining the North Devon Biosphere team, I managed three community projects for the Tamar Valley National Landscape on their Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. My work focused on engaging communities both within and beyond the area – celebrating wildlife, inspiring a new generation of river explorers, and helping people build natural connections that support wellbeing. My background spans a range of projects, from community tree nurseries and working farm schools to researching bees in India and mentoring trainees entering the green sector. 

I hope this project inspires you and empowers you to connect with your community and this very special place that we call home. If you’re part of a community group or have an idea you’d love to explore, I’d be delighted to hear from you. If you spot me out on the coast path with a notebook and a flask of tea, do say hello. 

Our community, our place, our future. 
​
Bryony