Mark Funnell

Mark Funnell serves as Chair of Avon Needs Trees since May 2022 and as Communications and Campaigns Director for the National Trust since June 2020. Previously, from September 2015 to June 2020, Mark held multiple roles at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, including Deputy Director of Communications and Director of Communications (interim). Mark has also been Head of Communications at the Forestry Commission from August 2011 to September 2015, where leadership focused on England and cross-border communications during significant change. Prior experience includes over a decade at the Environment Agency, leading external relations and managing large teams across various communication functions. Mark’s career began in publishing, with positions at Future Publishing, including Deputy Editor of Classic CD Magazine. Mark holds a BA in English and Philosophy from the University of Leeds.