Andrew Bray

Bio

Born and raised in Winsford, I attended the local schools before pursuing a career as a Chartered Civil Engineer and later as a Management Consultant with Deloitte Consulting. I hold a Master's Degree in Business from the world-class Warwick Business School, which has facilitated my work with diverse organisations, including the BBC, UK MoD, Harrods, Premier Foods, Balfour Beatty, and WS Atkins.

I returned with my wife to Exmoor to raise our two daughters in Wootton Courtenay, where I live on 60-acre farm. My wife and I also run an award-winning national training and consultancy business, with clients including FTSE 100 companies and over 200 local authorities in the UK. As a small-scale farmer, I have participated in a stewardship scheme with the RPA over the last 6 years.

Exmoor is, to me, one of the best places in the world to live. It offers open yet welcoming countryside, a fantastic mix of moorland, woodland, coastline, and fields with traditional hedges. I value the tranquillity, especially at my favourite spots such Tom’s Hill and Aldermans Burrow, and the fantastic wildlife, with the red deer being my favourite. My family has been part of Exmoor’s rich cultural heritage for many generations. I enjoy a wide range of activities here, including horse riding, shooting, mountain biking, road cycling, walking, motorcycle riding, and sailing. I've been fortunate enough to have ridden across most of Exmoor's moorland, either on horseback or mountain bike, including the isolated section between Brendon Two Gates and Blackmoor Gate. I have also conquered many local climbs on my road bike, including Porlock Hill.

I am very proud to be a parish representative on the Exmoor National Parks Authority Committee and on the planning committee as well as other committees.