Francis Castro is an Ecologist and Local Authority Officer of over 19 years’ experience. He is a veteran of conservation and environmental policy in London and, since 2023, works as a Biodiversity specialist at the Greater London Authority, currently overseeing preparation of the London LNRS. He has also recently become a Trustee of the Epping Forest Heritage Trust and looking forward to support them deliver on their ambitious strategy.

 

Previously he worked for the London Borough of Redbridge and Vision RCL for over 17 years, as the Nature Conservation Ranger Team Leader. In this role he managed a team of Rangers delivering a wide range of projects, community engagement, volunteering opportunities and grounds maintenance to the wildlife sites of the Borough, he also provided specialist ecological support to the Local Authorities planning, highways, regeneration, and community engagement teams. Key projects include the successful preparation and application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, for the Hainault Forest restoration works.