Our Board

  • FOUNDER. DIRECTOR & CEO

    Originally from Crosby, Ceara moved to London after graduating from the University of Sheffield and spent 16 years working in commercial real estate as a Chartered Surveyor. Despite her corporate career she has always felt most at home outdoors, having spent much of her youth engaged in sports. Ceara is passionate about green justice and advocating for equal access to the benefits of outdoor experiences. Becoming a mother of two young boys profoundly influenced her life and inspired her work with Laurel’s Wood CIC. After relocating to Formby during the pandemic, Ceara was introduced to Laurel’s Wood, and the rest, as they say, is history!

    As CEO of the CIC, Ceara leads the initiatives and is an active Forest School Leader, delivering school sessions herself.

    Outside of work, Ceara is a passionate runner, having completed several half-marathons and the London Marathon. She also enjoys Pilates in her downtime. When not managing the CIC, Ceara can be found exploring Formby beach with her husband, sons, and their dog, Herbie.

  • CHAIR

    Beth Santangeli began her career in social enterprise after graduating but transitioned to the construction industry in 2012, joining Laing O'Rourke. During her time there, she worked on high-profile projects such as Alder Hey in the Park, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, and the Manchester Airport Transformation. In 2017, Beth moved to Robertson North West, where she led business development and contributed to the company’s growth.

    Beth’s passion for the outdoors drives her involvement with Laurel’s Wood. She believes in the importance of green spaces for wellbeing and is committed to preserving local nature so that everyone can enjoy the outdoors, rain or shine. As a mother of two young boys, Beth hopes to inspire them to develop a love for the natural environment and to appreciate the beauty of the woods and beach.

  • DIRECTOR

    Karen is the Director of Turn Up the Value, supporting organisations to measure, maximise and celebrate their social value contribution. With 20 years experience of working with communities and businesses across the north west. Karen has a proven track record in using collaborative approaches to build relationships across the public, private, community and voluntary sector. Karen is driven by a passionate belief that positive action, collaboration and a focus on what’s strong can create a kinder, fairer and more sustainable world.

    Karen is engaged in supporting the growth of the Social Enterprise sector in Greater Manchester and is the chair of the Bolton Proper Good Steering Group which leads the social enterprise investment and support programme in the town. She is currently engaged in working with the Woodland Trust to develop opportunities for social enterprise at the Smithills Estate in Bolton and specialises in supporting social enterprises who deliver nature connection and wellbeing. She is actively involved in networks and partnerships which champion social value at a local and regional level.

    Karen has been a member of the Social Audit Network since 2017 and is a keen advocate of social accounting.

    She is also a Director of We Be Kids CIC.

  • DIRECTOR

    Leon has 24 years’ experience working in the mobile telecoms industry, developing a wealth of knowledge in this area and helping to build three companies which sold to the corporate network for in excess of £10m. He has extensive sales experience and in 2016 founded The Sales Dojo, a community for salespeople and sales enthusiasts. Leon likes nothing better than helping the next generation of business owners, salespeople and business development managers to find their own version of success. When not in the office, Leon can be found down the allotment.

  • DIRECTOR

    Chris is deeply committed to environmental conservation, focusing on improving access to nature for individuals with disabilities and additional needs. With over a decade of hands-on experience in practical conservation, Chris holds a BSc in Geography from the University of Leeds. His career includes three years as a Countryside Activities Officer with Open Country in Harrogate, after which he joined the National Trust in Formby in 2020 as a Ranger and Area Ranger.

    Chris combines his professional expertise with a passion for outdoor activities, including climbing, cycling, and mountaineering. Chris relishes spending time in the breathtaking landscapes of Snowdonia, the Lake District, and Scotland, and when not outdoors, is an enthusiastic reader!

  • DIRECTOR

    Roberta began her career in the creative arts, earning a BA Hons in Stage and Events Management. Over six years, she worked across many theatres and event spaces throughout the UK; during this time, she also supported a youth arts charity in Old Trafford, enabling young people who face many barriers to access arts and culture.

    In 2020, Roberta took a step into the world of environmental conservation, managing tree-planting events for The Woodland Trust on the Smithills Estate, igniting her passion for connecting people with nature. Over the past five years, she has led numerous community projects, bringing the benefits of woods and trees to the Bolton community. Her green social prescribing program, developed in collaboration with local GP surgeries, conservation charities, and small businesses, stands out as a highlight of her work.

    Roberta’s dedication to social justice, the environment, and the arts is woven into everything she does. Outside of work, she likes to attend music gigs and festivals, volunteer at an NHS allotment, enjoy long walks with her dog, sing in a community choir, and listen to a ridiculous amount of podcasts.