Tamar Valley National Landscape’s New Chair and Vice Chair

Philip Hygate and Cllr Hilary Frank were elected as the new Chair and Vice Chair of the Tamar Valley National Landscape’s Partnership and Executive Board at the November ‘30th Anniversary Annual Forum’.

The Tamar Valley National Landscape Partnership relies on strong, visible leadership to guide its work, champion its purpose, and help shape the future of this remarkable landscape. At the heart of this leadership are the Chair and Vice Chair, two key roles that work closely together to represent the Partnership and steer its Executive Group.

Both positions are appointed for a two‑year term (with the option of one further term).

Philip Hygate brings extensive leadership experience in protected landscapes, public service, and local governance to the Chair position of the Tamar Valley National Landscape.

He has chaired the National Landscapes Association for 13 years, representing all 46 National Landscapes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and previously established and chaired the Isles of Scilly National Landscape (formally AONB) for seven years.

From June – November 2025, he served as Vice Chair of Tamar Valley National Landscape, supporting the partnership with both strategic insight and local knowledge. Philip lives and farms within the Tamar Valley catchment, giving him a strong personal connection to the landscape.

His wider career includes senior roles such as Chief Executive in local government, Health Authority Director, Vice Chair of the Cornwall Economic Forum, and has had leadership roles in education, research, and ethical investment. He holds a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), granted the Freedom of the City of London awarded in 2008.

“As I commence as Chair of the Tamar Valley National Landscape I am very aware of what a privilege and responsibility I have been given.

The Tamar Valley is a precious life affirming place blessed with remarkable natural and historic riches. Ensuring it remains good for people and nature is a noble cause for all of us who love the Tamar whether we live in it or visit it. It has over the course of thousands of years of human occupation given sustenance and, indeed at times, great wealth to its people. It has nurtured generation after generation and we should do all we can to ensure it continues to do so. At a time of very rapid social and economic change driven by artificial intelligence and machine learning the Tamar Valley has the potential to give those who live in it or visit it a sense of belonging and purpose otherwise being lost to a pace of change more rapid than ever in our past. The Tamar Valley is and should always be a place good for people and good for nature.”

– Philip Hygate, Chair

Cllr Hilary Frank has a strong blend of community leadership, environmental commitment and strategic experience for the role of Vice Chair of the Tamar Valley National Landscape Partnership. A long‑standing local resident, Hilary is deeply connected to the Valley and actively volunteers with community and nature groups, including the Friends of Churchtown Farm and Friends of Tincombe Nature Reserve. She also serves as a Trustee of the China Fleet Trust, widely recognised for its environmental work.

As Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools, Hilary offers valuable experience in partnership working and strategic decision‑making, with a strong passion for helping young people build meaningful connections with the natural world. Her professional background includes significant roles linked to Japanese language and culture, a fitting personal connection to the Valley’s historic nickname, “Little Japan.”

Hilary’s combination of local knowledge, community involvement and leadership experience positions her well to support the Chair and strengthen the work of the Partnership in her role of Vice Chair.

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