My name is Ian Berry and I served in the Royal Marines for 13 years. I joined up in 1973. I have served in 41 Commando in Malta, 40 Commando twice, Commando training wing twice and as a PSI in RMR Scotland. I served in the Falklands conflict with 3 Troop, Alpha Company, 40 Commando.

 

I left the Corps in 1985 and studied forestry at the Dartington Institute, Totnes. On leaving college, I secured the post of Forester at Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park, on the Rame Peninsular. After a period of time I was promoted to Head Ranger and a few years later promoted to Mount Edgcumbe Manager. I worked there for a total of 28 years, “retiring” in 2014.

 

Subsequently, I have worked as programme manager for the Land and Wildlife management courses at Duchy College and as a freelance advisor on Land and Wildlife matters. I am currently working for SecureForests, based at Mount Edgcumbe, where we provide training with qualifications, to veterans who wish to start careers in the rural industries.

 

I have lived in Cornwall for nearly 40 years with my wife Susan.

I have previously served as the chairman of trustees of the Diving Diseases Research Centre in Plymouth, but did not seek re-election when my tenure was up.