The Team
The Team at Lake District Foundation has 8 members of staff.
We are also supported by fantastic volunteers.
Sarah Swindley
Director
Sarah joined the Lake District Foundation from her previous role as CEO of Lancashire Women’s Centres where since 2011 she successfully developed the size, turnover and impact of the charity. She is excited to be taking on this new role at such an important time in the history of the Lake District.
Sarah Halliwell
Deputy CEO
Sarah joined the LDF in 2023 bringing a diverse range of experience gained in the tourism, inclusion , physical activity and the environmental sectors. Sarah is a nature lover and wild swimmer who loves the Lake District and is excited to have the opportunity to lead work that protects and improves this amazing place.
Sarah Smith
Operations Manager
Sarah joined us in 2013 as a volunteer before managing a number of sustainable tourism campaigns, and now oversees the day to day running of the charity. Sarah is passionate about sustainable tourism and loves working with businesses and visitors to have a positive impact on the landscape and wildlife of Lake District.
Pam Purcell
Finance Manager
Pam joined our team in 2015. She has over 25 years experience as a Finance Manager and loves making the figures balance. Pam swapped her California home for living in the beautiful Lake District where she enjoys walking, cycling and travelling around in her campervan.
Sandra Edmondson
Administration Officer
Sandra has worked for over 30 years, supporting the National Park. She joined the LDF Team in 2017 and keeps everything running smoothly. Supporting our events and campaigns, and helping with the day to day running of the charity
Liv Allport
Programme Support Officer
Liv joined the LDF team in July 2022, bringing her experience of grant funding and the development of future programmes. Her passion for landscapes and nature has always drawn her to the beauty of the Lake District and influenced her work within the heritage sector. Liv loves walking her dog in the countryside and searching for the next hidden beauty spot, complete with a tearoom fix at the end!


Dickie Felton
Communications Officer
Dickie joined the team in December 2021. A Liverpudlian, he moved up to Cumbria in 2016. He has worked in public relations for 20 years mostly for museums and galleries. A keen football fan, he regularly watches Celtic, Liverpool and Wigan. When he’s not at football he likes to run and walk around the Lake District. His favourite mountain is Coniston Old Man.
Steve Tonkin
Fundraising Manager
Steve is our Fundraising Manager and all round fixer! Coming from the commercial sector he has a great knowledge of Online marketing and fundraising. He is an open water swimmer and loves spending most of his time in the mountains. He is our main fundraiser for Fix the Fells.