A man from Suffolk has returned to take over as centre manager of a National Trust site after spending many years working in various countries in East Asia.
Nathan Whittaker, who grew up in the Gipping Valley, has been appointed centre manager at Flatford Mill in East Bergholt.
The centre, which sits in the heart of Constable country, is owned by the National Trust but operated by the Field Studies Council.
Mr Whittaker said: "I'm absolutely delighted to take up this new role back in my home county and in such a special place.
"It brings together perfectly my experience in the education sector with my love for the environment."
Mr Whittaker grew up 10 miles from Flatford and spent much of his childhood in nature with his parents bird watching and walking their dogs.
After university, he made the decision to take a big jump and moved to China.
He said: "I've worked in education for 15 years and mostly in the international higher education sector managing the interests of British and American universities in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea.
"I returned to the UK permanently in 2019 whilst working for Royal Holloway, University of London and although I was still travelling to China for work, that soon came to an end when the Covid pandemic hit."
During the pandemic, Mr Whittaker moved back to Suffolk and took up a role working with the University of Essex International College.
Now, he will manage the day-to-day running of Flatford Mill, stating: "I've a lot to learn but I'm really looking forward to working with schools in the area and beyond."
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