Meet Our Trustees

Our team at Elephant Charge UK is a dedicated group of conservationists, environmental advocates, and community leaders. With diverse expertise and a shared passion for preserving Zambia’s natural heritage, we work together to drive impactful conservation efforts, empower local communities, and ensure a sustainable future for wildlife and people alike.
Martin first came to Africa in 1987 and spent time in Kenya and Zimbabwe before coming to Zambia, which he has called home since 2010. Working for the UN/ILO in Senior Management has exposed him to the best and worst of what the continent can offer. Employment is his speciality, especially enabling youth to rise above the poverty line. Developing strategies for innovative public-private development partnerships, he brings a wealth of experience and extensive fund raising capability.
Martin Clemensson
Chairman
Martin Clemensson
Chairman
John Shields practised as a lawyer in London specialising in tax and trusts, before joining his family quarrying, energy, and rural property business Longcliffe Group as Energy Director in 2010. He is vice-chairman of UK conservation and research charity the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, and chairman of the Royal Caledonian Charities Trust. (John is on the right of the photo)
John Shields (John is on the right of the photo)
Secretary
John Shields (John is on the right of the photo)
Secretary
Passionate about nature, Jo spent 20 plus years living in Zambia's famous South Luangwa, running a tourism safari company with her husband Robin Pope. She is now a Life Coach but remains involved in tourism, aviation and supports projects that empowers young Zambians. Jo also founded and chairs Project Luangwa, which focuses on education and gender support.
Jo Pope
Fund Co-ordinator
Jo Pope
Fund Co-ordinator
Originally from a performance and stage background, Edward then moved into financial project management followed by a career as a UK pension trustee.  He has over twenty years’ experience as a trustee for personal pensions as well as small corporate pension schemes and overseas QROPS schemes based in Malta. He has been a trustee of the UK based charity linked to Project Luangwa in Mfuwe, Zambia for the last seven years.  He is responsible for the oversight of all UK donations and then onward transmission of funds to Zambia.
Edward Thorpe
Treasurer
Edward Thorpe
Treasurer
Rosie is a senior qualified teacher with over a decade of teaching and leadership experience in the UK and overseas. She has a Masters in Educational Practice and is a trained teacher coach. In 2020, Rosie moved to Zambia to work in conservation education management and consulted for a number of organisations. She was an integral part of the team that planned, designed and created the Wildlife Discovery Centre in Lusaka National Park, Zambia’s conservation education hub.
Rosie Churcher
Education & Conservation Advisor
Rosie Churcher
Education & Conservation Advisor
Peter is a passionate conservationist and adventurer with a deep love for Africa’s wildlife and landscapes. In 2009, Peter co-founded the Elephant Charge, a unique and thrilling off-road motorsport event that raises vital funds for conservation efforts in Africa. He has been instrumental in shaping the event into what it is today, bringing together like-minded individuals and teams to tackle challenging terrain and support a great cause. Peter has helped the Elephant Charge grow into a successful and respected organisation, making a real difference in the lives of Zambian wildlife and communities.
Peter Castle
Elephant Charge Zambia Committee - Ex officio Trustee
Peter Castle
Elephant Charge Zambia Committee - Ex officio Trustee