Who are the conservators?

There are up to fifteen Commons Conservators, elected on a three yearly basis. All Conservators are resident in Torrington and they administer the commons for the people of the town of Great Torrington. Their work includes enforcement of the bye laws, maintaining the public rights of way and paths, conservation of the many different habitats and special measures to support some of the rarer species found on the commons.

Current Conservators, appointed on or after May 2025:

  • Andrew Giles (Chair)
  • Adam Kirby  (Vice-Chair)
  • Mandy Harrison
  • Gerry Duffy
  • Sue Clarke
  • Carolyn Larwood
  • Linda Aston
  • David Minall

We are currently looking for new members to join the board. If you are interested, please contact us for an informal chat.

Contact Us

Employees & Associates

To assist the Conservators we have a Clerk, a Treasurer and Associates.

In addition to the Admin staff and Associates, the commons are managed by a Head Ranger and his assistant and volunteers.

Officers/ Employees

  • Karen Chapman (Clerk)
  • Faye Connelly (Treasurer, Finance Sub-Committee Advisor)
  • Alan Mitchell (Head Ranger)
  • Jason Golder (Assistant Ranger)

Associate Trustees

  • John Fitzgerald (Website Manager)
  • Sue Crawley (Friends and Volunteers)

Volunteers

The Torrington Commons Conservators have a fantastic bunch of volunteers. Their help is invaluable and it covers assisting the Rangers, fundraising, litter picking and much more!

If you’d like to help, please see the information on the Volunteers page.

What is our Mission

The Board of Conservators exists to conserve, maintain and improve the natural environment of Great Torrington Common for the enjoyment of present and future generations and the support of native wildlife.