We’re excited to introduce two fantastic new additions to our Geopark team: Jim Butler, our new Public Engagement Coordinator, and Hayley Rock, joining us as Heritage Education Officer.
Jim Butler – Public Engagement Coordinator
With over 20 years of experience in public heritage, Jim Butler brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique talent for storytelling to his role. He has led major projects such as Rebuilding Lives: 50 Years of Ugandan Asians in Leicester and the York Roman Festival, and played a pivotal role in organising the reinterment events for Richard III. In a memorable highlight of his career, Jim discussed medieval farming techniques with Queen Elizabeth II—giving him the rare distinction of having both met a Queen and buried a King! Jim’s creativity truly comes to life through immersive events and community engagement. Recently, he brought the 1645 Siege of Leicester vividly to life during the city’s annual Riverside Festival and collaborated with the public to build a life-sized cardboard reconstruction of the entrance to Leicester’s Roman Forum, right in the city centre during the Old Town Festival. We are excited to see what he has in store for Charnwood Forest!
Hayley Rock – Heritage Education Officer
Hayley brings a strong background in science education and a deep passion for connecting young people with the natural world. A former Head of Science, she has designed inclusive, innovative curricula on subjects such as Earth’s history, climate change, and biodiversity. She is particularly dedicated to making learning accessible to all, including students with special educational needs and disabilities. Hayley holds a BSc in Biology with German and spent a year studying in Munich as part of her degree. Her collaborative projects with the National Institute for Health and Care Research Young People’s BioResource and the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Connecting STEM Teachers programme have opened exciting educational opportunities for the schools she’s worked with. Now, she’s looking forward to bringing her experience to the heart of Charnwood Forest Geopark, helping young people discover and engage with its rich natural and cultural heritage.
You can find more about our Staff Team on the Who We Are page.