Trustees and Patrons

The Jurassic Coast Trust is run by a Board of Trustees. Our Trustees are all passionate about the Jurassic Coast and give their time voluntarily to oversee the running of the charity, to shape its direction, keep it on track and to work with our Staff team and partners towards shared ambitions..

Our Trustees bring a wide range of skills and experience to the Trust but love nothing more than being out on the coast and amongst our communities to see how our work is making a difference. If you see us at an event or activity, do please say hello!

Derrick Ryall (Chair)

Derrick lives in East Devon just inland from the Jurassic Coast near Sidmouth. Since moving down to Devon in 2003 he has spent many hours walking, gazing, photographing and flying over the Jurassic coast. ‘I have been lucky enough to travel to many beautiful places around the world, but on a clear day the views down the Jurassic from the red cliffs in East Devon towards Portland are the equal of anywhere. I relish the opportunity to support the trust in protecting this special coastline for all to enjoy and appreciate, protecting it for future generations.’

Derrick currently heads up the Public Weather Service at the Met Office based in Exeter, responsible for communicating weather to the public to help individuals and organisations protect themselves from severe weather as well as making the best of our changeable weather. Previously he has managed the Climate Programme and before that developed computer models to predict the spread of atmospheric pollutants, from volcanic ash to greenhouse gases to industrial emissions.

Sarah Philbrick

As Development Director at the Royal Academy of Engineering for 12 years, Sarah led a transformation of its fundraising activity and built strong relationships with companies, trusts and individual donors. Previously she spent nearly 20 years in global investment banking and was a director at HSBC Investment Bank.

Among her current roles, Sarah is a trustee of the Dolphin Square Foundation which creates affordable housing for working Londoners, and chair of Carefreebreaks, a new charity providing short holidays for unpaid carers in accommodation gifted by their owners. Sarah worked in a start-up charity, Computers for Youth, when she lived in New York and has also been a trustee of the Citizenship Foundation and a primary school governor. She has degrees from Durham University and London Business School.

Sarah has had a home in Dorset for more than 30 years and enjoys nothing more than roaming the Dorset coast and countryside. “The Jurassic Coast is simply amazing – offering everything from gorgeous views to rugged climbs to utter tranquility. It’s guaranteed to recharge my batteries! I am passionate about protecting this ever-changing coastline and ensuring it’s there for current and future generations to experience and enjoy”.

John Wokersien