Andy Shipley
Nature connection practitioner, freelance disability and inclusion consultant and Town Councillor.
Andy has over 25 years of leadership experience in government, public bodies, and voluntary organisations. Living and working with a visual impairment has made him a leading advocate for creating conditions that enable disabled people to lead independent lives. In 2013, he was made a Fellow of the Clore Leadership Programme.
Andy directs his facilitation skills toward creating inclusive nature connection experiences through his organisation, Natural Inclusion, working with partners like the University of Exeter. He has contributed to shaping inclusive practices in the natural heritage sector.
In 2021, Andy was elected to Princes Risborough Town Council, focusing on accessibility and inclusion. He also serves on Network Rail’s Built Environment Accessibility Panel and is a former Chair of the Fieldfare Trust and BucksVision.
How would you describe yourself or your work in a few words?
I am a visually impaired coach and facilitator, working for a human presence on the Earth in which we value all life and the unique contribution each of us can make, whatever our niche in the ecosystem.
What do you like to do for fun?
I am a keen runner. I also enjoy spending time in nature. Either walking or paddling a canoe. I’m also a singer and play blues harmonica.
I also like to dabble in the occasional extreme sport from time to time, such as sky-diving and bobsleigh riding.
If you had a day where you could do absolutely anything, what would you do?
Probably on the river in a canoe.