It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Dr Tony Edwards, Humber Nature Partnership Director and friend. Tony dedicated over forty years of his life to the environmental and water sectors in Yorkshire and the Humber. His career was defined by a deep commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural world and to ensuring that industry and the environment could work together in harmony.
After earning a degree in Geography from King’s College, University of London, and a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of East Anglia, Tony then worked with the former Yorkshire Water Authority in 1974. There, he worked on water quality, water resources planning and research and development.
When the National Rivers Authority (NRA) was formed, Tony became manager for East, South, and West Yorkshire, later leading its Water Quality function for the Yorkshire Region. He continued his leadership with the Environment Agency as Ridings Area Manager, overseeing Pollution Regulation, Water Resources Management, and Flood Risk Management for four million people across Yorkshire.
Tony was a main driver behind the Humber Action Plan, the Catchment Management Plan, the Humber Estuary Management Strategy, the Humber State of the Environment Report and the Humber Estuary Shoreline Management Plan – all of these have Tony’s hand and knowledge embedded in them.
As the Environment Agency Humber Strategies Manager, Tony coordinated environmental work across the estuary, helping to balance industry and conservation. He also served as Vice Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly’s Sustainability Commission and was a member of the Region’s Climate Change Group.
In the 1990s, Tony was an enthusiastic member of a project to increase employability in environmental science graduates and brought his considerable experience. By linking his knowledge of what is expected of public authorities and the challenges of working in diverse organisations such as the NRA, he was able to indicate the skills required of new employees. The friendships formed during that project lasted until his death and led to many pleasant lunches to catch up with several colleagues and friends.
In 2004, Tony became Chief Executive of the Humber Industry Nature Conservation Association (HINCA – the predecessor to the Humber Nature Partnership), working with industry, local authorities and environmental organisations to protect and enhance the Humber natural environment. He later continued as Company Secretary until 2011 and on the HNP Board of Directors until his passing. Tony was also the first Chair of the Humber Estuary Relevant Authorities Group.
Tony expertly chaired the Humber Environmental Managers Network from the mid-2000’s working closely with CATCH and their industrial membership, shaping content for countless events and conferences including many held during Humber Business Week.
Together with his professional work, Tony shared his knowledge generously. Tony engaged with many academic research projects during his career and always saw his role to be ensuring that the research teams kept their eyes on what was the practical application of their research. Until July 2022, he lectured part-time evening classes on Environmental Management and Sustainability in the NEBOSH classes at the University of Hull, inspiring students from across industry to make a positive difference. Tony published several articles in scientific literature and was often a speaker and regional events. He promoted eco-engineering and Nature-based Solutions, including managed realignment and ‘set-back’ long before the terms became widely adopted.
In his spare time, Tony walked the beautiful areas of West Yorkshire and further afield and often enthused about concerts, opera and galleries that he had recently visited and attended. Although not an avid sports fan, he did occasionally remark about the fate of Brighton and Hove Albion FC. Tony was also a long-time avid Guardian reader and would often send messages mentioning an interesting article (including those he disagreed with!).
Throughout his remarkable career, Tony made an enduring contribution to the people and places of Yorkshire and the Humber. His wisdom, warmth, and integrity touched many lives, and his legacy will continue through the landscapes he helped protect and the countless people he inspired.
He will be dearly missed.
