I’m Yvonne Conchie.  Hello!

I’m a geographer who specialises in working with grassroots communities to become more resilient through understanding the places they inhabit. I always find it difficult to describe what I do, it could be social innovation or sustainable rural development, so here’s what some other people have said:

Nick Mason from Northumberland Wildlife Trust said “you’re a dot joiner – you get both the big picture and the fine detail, and you see the opportunities and help make the connections happen.” 

Rev Dr Helen Savage from the Blanchland Abbey Project said

“Thank you Yvonne, you came in to the huge gap left by [the previous project manager] and made it your own, but even more importantly made it ever more firmly ours. Your wisdom, honesty and passion have been a massive inspiration to us. The way you were able to work with us on a project you hadn’t shaped is truly remarkable. As a project manager, you are assiduous in seeing through projects with fine attention to detail and sensitivity to the differing needs of both professionals and volunteers in the voluntary (church and community) sector. “

Dr Philippa Carter, who worked with me on the Rural Churches for Everyone Project said

“Yvonne is a knowledgeable and professional consultant who works sensitively and proactively to advance innovative and appropriate solutions. She has a deep appreciation of the specificity and nuance of rural places, understanding the importance of considering a range of factors both physical and social within her project work. A key part of the project’s success has been the holistic approach Yvonne has taken to churches in their landscape setting, placing equal value and importance on the various elements of built, natural, religious and community heritage. Her approach has enabled groups of volunteers to make informed plans and decisions about the future of their buildings.”

As a contemporary Conchie (it is my real name!), I think carefully about the work I choose to do – strong influences are permaculture and rewilding, local distinctiveness, digital solutions, low carbon living and collaborating for resilience. I think we have lessons to learn from nature and from the past that we can reapply in our futures, and that our rural landscapes and the communities that care for them, are essential for the wellbeing of everyone in a climate changed future.

I’m most active on my twitter and on facebook, and you can find my professional profile on LinkedIn.

If I remember I’ll post links to media stories referencing my work here.

Links to my privacy policy and GDPR is here.