Terry Robinson, a dedicated advocate for countryside access who worked on projects such as the Tarka Trail in Devon and green space networks in Manchester river valleys, has died aged 77.
Early Life and Career
Born in Penzance, Cornwall, to Joan (nee Smith) and Arthur Robinson, an auctioneer and estate agent, Terry was sent to board at King's College, Taunton. However, it was among the granite and gorse of West Penwith's ancient settlements that he first recognized the sense of freedom from being in the countryside. This feeling he passionately wanted everyone to experience and later dedicated his career to.
He studied botany, psychology, and zoology at the University of London, graduating in 1971, then worked as a VSO teacher in Fiji. While visiting his brother Peter in Tanzania, he met Annemarie Kunzel, also a VSO teacher, and they married in 1974.
Professional Achievements
Terry worked as a countryside ranger on the Wirral Way (1973-75), then for Exmoor National Park. He joined the Countryside Commission in 1978 as an interpretive planner, retiring in 2011 as head of people, engagement, outreach, and access. During his 38-year tenure, he worked on successful projects such as the Tarka Trail in Devon, sites on the Jurassic Coast (which became a world heritage site), national park status for the New Forest and South Downs, and networks of green space in the Manchester river valleys and Milton Keynes.
He also worked on policy and political deals that paved the way for legislation to preserve the future of common land in England and Wales.
Personal Life
Our family lived in Minchinhampton, near Stroud, in rural Gloucestershire. Terry instilled in us all a deep appreciation for the outdoors and encouraged us to make meaningful contributions to society. Kind and generous, he was full of boundless enthusiasm and brilliant ideas, with an irresistible sense of fun and silliness.
Throughout his life, Terry's love of music saw him singing in choirs and listening to live classical music whenever he could. Latterly, he performed with his local amateur dramatics society. At 6ft 2in, he had a remarkable stage presence; one year he played a particularly cherubic Angel Gabriel in a Mystery Play, much to his family's mirth. He served as an elder at Painswick Quaker Meeting and continued to use his professional experience to help others, serving on boards for the National Trust Commons Committee, Cotswold Water Park, International Council on Monuments and Sites, and Cornish Mining World Heritage.
Terry is survived by Annemarie, their children Sophie, Ben, Tolly, and me, eight grandchildren, and his brother Pete.
