The Open Spaces Society has appointed Gerald Davies as its local correspondent for part of Ceredigion.

The Open Spaces Society was founded in 1865 and is Britain’s oldest national conservation body.

It campaigns to protect common land, village greens, open spaces and public paths, and people’s right to enjoy them.

Gerald will look out for the society’s interests in his area, championing public paths, and commons, greens and other open spaces.

He was raised on a farm in mid Wales and studied agricultural engineering, and then spent over 35 years in land-based education with responsibility for a large estate.

He is now retired, but continues to support land-based colleges in the evolution of their safety culture.

Gerald has experience of the issues in which the society is involved and has worked with various government agencies.

A keen walker and hiker, Gerald spends as much time as possible in the hills, especially in his native Wales, although he now lives in Northamptonshire.

"I love spending time outdoors—the more remote the area the better," said Gerald.

"I am looking forward to this opportunity to support the work of the Open Spaces Society in protecting the places I love so much.’

Kate Ashbrook, the society’s general secretary said: "We welcome Gerald as our local correspondent in Ceredigion, a splendid area with many commons, which are threatened with fencing, wind farms and much else.

"It will be extremely helpful to strengthen our presence here.’

The society has appointed Gerald to act in five communities, in Llangeitho, Lledrod, Melidwr, Tregaron and Ystwyth.