The environmental community mourns the loss of Richard Lloyd MBE, a dedicated countryside champion who passed away at the age of 81. For decades, Lloyd served as a passionate advocate for protecting England's natural landscapes while ensuring public access to these treasured spaces.
Early life and education
Born in Gloucester, Richard was the only child of Frank Lloyd, a commercial artist, and Elsie (née Roberts). He attended Crypt Grammar School in his hometown, where he maintained his distinctive Gloucestershire accent throughout his life. His academic journey took him to University College London, where he earned both a degree and master's in botany, followed by another master's in town and country planning.
Countryside Commission career
After beginning his career as an ecologist in Lincolnshire, Richard joined the newly established Countryside Commission in 1969. This statutory body was charged with the dual mission of protecting the countryside of England and Wales while helping the public enjoy it. Lloyd remained with the organisation and its successor, the Countryside Agency, until his retirement in 2005.
Colleagues from the commission's early days remember a fresh-faced young man with a joyous passion for nature that made him a natural fit for the role. When the commission moved its headquarters from London to Cheltenham in 1974, Richard's capabilities quickly became apparent.
By his thirties, he was leading the commission's work in the south-west from the regional office in Bristol. His leadership inspired purpose, loyalty and enthusiasm among his team, while earning respect from local authorities, the National Trust, the Duchy of Cornwall and other regional bodies.
National policy influence
Returning to Cheltenham in 1987, Richard took on nationally significant policy work. He led reviews of national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty that ultimately resulted in new legislation providing stronger environmental protection. His contributions to countryside preservation were formally recognised when he was appointed MBE in 2004.
Richard's ebullient, positive and friendly personality won him many admirers throughout his career. A former director general of the commission noted that no staff member inspired more affection or was held in higher regard than Richard.
Retirement and lasting legacy
In retirement, Richard continued his environmental advocacy through roles with the Cotswolds AONB board and the Gloucestershire branch of CPRE, the Countryside Charity, where he served as a highly active vice-chair. He brought encyclopedic knowledge of countryside matters and an exceptional ability to draft excellent papers at short notice.
His dedication remained unwavering until the end. Just two days before his death, while in hospital, he expressed concern that the CPRE's annual Gloucestershire awards ceremony - an event dear to his heart - should proceed smoothly in his absence.
Beyond his professional achievements, Richard lived a full life with diverse interests including trains, choral singing, photographing rare orchids, walking and enjoying his beer.
He married Ann Russell in 1969, who later became ordained and led the service celebrating his life. Richard is survived by Ann and their two children, Alison and Geoffrey.
