ABOUT
From Extractive to Regenerative
The Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research and Design (WIRRED) was born out of the restoration of Walkers Sand Quarry. For more than 50 years, the McNeel family provided an abundance of silica sand to the nation of Barbados while managing to steward and protect one of the largest native beach-side forests on the island. Since 1968 the quarry’s extracted silica sand has been used in nearly every building project across Barbados. But as the construction industry exhausts the sand supply, a new story is emerging — one of biodiversity, ecological health, and regeneration.
Ian McNeel, the Director and Founder of WIRRED, began to research and cultivate skill sets around building habitats and increasing the biodiversity of broad acre degraded landscapes. He envisioned the Walkers site as holding space with a holistic and interconnected purpose. Ultimately, he landed on regenerative agroforestry, utilizing permaculture design principles, as the framework to guide the transformation of the quarry into a thriving nature reserve and eco agro-tourism destination.
In 2011 a team of local and international experts was assembled to explore the potential for using regenerative design principles to restore the quarry’s landscape ecology. Their preliminary findings indicated that these techniques opened up the potential for businesses and communities to co-create meaningful livelihoods, steward nature-based economies, and actively build a model for climate adaptation and resilience for Barbados and the world.
Today, WIRRED brings solutions to complex problems by creating disruptive design systems that increase biodiversity, enhance ecosystem services, and improve the well-being of individuals and communities. Disruptive design positively intervenes and disrupts the status quo of any problem to create effective, equitable, and sustainable outcomes. By exploring the edges of our systems, we open ourselves to seeing the non-obvious opportunities that can generate profound, innovative ways to leverage change. Through ongoing research, education, design, and community partnerships WIRRED creates regenerative spaces in which individuals can connect/reconnect to the environment, while building more resilient economies, ecosystems and communities.
VISION
Planetary Regeneration
To create regenerative spaces rich in biodiversity where individuals can connect and reconnect to the environment, while building more resilient economies, ecosystems, and communities.
MISSION
WIRRED brings a holistic approach to the transformation of degraded lands through regenerative research, education, and design. We are committed to environmental stewardship, the economic wellbeing of all communities, and to increasing biodiversity to support a climate-resilient planet.
VALUES
AUTHENTICITY
We believe in landscape and ecological regeneration using the principles of regenerative agroforestry, including permaculture. We practice these principles in the way we structure our operations and in how we interact with our employees, communities, partners, donors and clients. Authenticity is integrated to our core through the way we show up, communicate, and design.
INNOVATION
We believe in the transformative power of technology and whole-systems thinking. By keeping innovation at the heart of our WIRRED ecosystem, we seek to refashion the way companies and markets interact with the natural environment. Through practical applications of regenerative science and innovation, we intend to solve complex social problems and empower microeconomies in Small Island Developing States and beyond.
ABUNDANCE
We are founded on the whole-systems thinking approach of permaculture in which care for people, care for the earth, and fair share guide our daily operations. We believe that this planet is bountiful, and that abundance comes from us doing our part to increase soil fertility, nurture biodiversity, protect watersheds, and connect to our food sources and the environment.
EMPOWERMENT
We seek to empower those with whom we work, fostering an environment of learning by doing. We
nurture creativity and collaboration to create a sense of ownership amongst our stakeholders that
they can then generously share in their own learning communities.
INCLUSIVENESS
We honor the culture of the communities in which we work, respecting and valuing diverse people and points of view. We work to create equitable, thriving environments where people, fauna, and flora all
flourish together.
INTEGRITY
We conduct our business in an ethical manner and conduct activities with complete transparency. We are responsible stewards of our funds and our relationships with donors, partners, clients, employees, volunteers, interns, communities and supporters.
TIMELINE
Visioning
Our founder, Ian McNeel, asked the critical question: How do you restore a sand quarry, build habitats, create ecosystems and increase biodiversity?
Local Grounding
We brought in local and international experts to ground our knowledge in local ecology.
The Kickoff
We planned our route of regeneration and started preliminary landscape design.
Implementation
We rolled out a finalized regeneration plan on-site with a critical focus on endemic species.
Partnership and Capacity Building
We wanted to share our new knowledge and experience; so we began offering permaculture training to the public sector and surrounding community.
Birth of WIRRED
With the official birth of WIRRED, we found greater expansion of partnerships and impact. We began really growing!
Master planning
Equipped with community and international support, we began refining and activating the long-term operational plan for Walkers Reserve and WIRRED.
Our people are invaluable to our mission
Ian McNeel
Founder, Director & Visionary
Ian is a social entrepreneur, impact investor and environmentalist .
Since 2009 Ian has invested in and created community around ecological restoration grounded in the transformation of Walkers Reserve. He has utilised business development as a way to address issues of climate change, fostering sustainability and engagement for a regenerative future in Barbados and the Caribbean. As an entrepreneur and thought leader, Ian’s pragmatic yet innovative solutions are actively addressing ecological biodiversity, social inclusion, and economic challenges in the region. With a deep passion for holistic business practices and over a decade-long commitment to regenerative finance initiatives, he is making significant strides towards creating ethical business models which show healthy ecological and shareholder returns.
Selwyn Smith
Founding Director
Selwyn is a retired public servant with a distinguished public service career. He has served nationally as a Permanent Secretary with the Barbados Public Service and regionally with the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD). Selwyn is committed to good corporate governance and has managed programs and participated with international institutions in programs to improve public sector management especially in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He is a trained consultant in Organisational Development and Management, Negotiations and Human Resource Management.
David Burns
Director Finance
David is the President/CFO McNeel Capital. David started his career in the tax division of Arthur Andersen & Company, the international CPA firm. David is a Florida and Oklahoma Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Florida and American Institute of CPA’s. Prior to joining McNeel Capital he founded Beach Capital Advisors, a boutique investment bank providing strategic, financial and management advisory services to clients in connection with merger, acquisition, and corporate finance transactions. From 1990-2001 David worked at Communications Equity Associates (“CEA”), a boutique media and communications investment bank based in Tampa Florida, ultimately becoming President of the firm.
Shae Warren
Director Projects
Shae is a geotechnical engineer and avid conservationists. He has 9 years of experience working within the Caribbean and Canada in the field of engineering. His early career was focused on infrastructure development projects in the energy sector where he gained experience in renewable energies, mining, oil & gas transmission, environmental impact assessments, and environmental remediation. He plays on this experience in his current role as Director Projects at Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research Education and Design (WIRRED). Shae is also the Chief of Operations for Walkers Sand Quarry and carries a wealth of knowledge with regards to the extractive industry. He has a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Civil Structural and Geotechnical Engineering from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
Lisa Fenty
Managing Director
Lisa brings over 12 years of dedicated experience to fostering impactful development across the region. Her journey has been driven by a passion for empowering communities through initiatives focused on economic resilience, youth development, disaster risk management, and climate adaptation. Having coordinated large scale projects which have impacted, thousands of beneficiaries, throughout Barbados and the wider Caribbean, she believes in the power of a people-centered approach to build strong relationships and ensure genuine engagement. er regional experience has been invaluable, allowing her to immerse herself in diverse cultures and tailor solutions for lasting success. Lisa holds a Master's in Project Management and Evaluation and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
GEORGINA THOrNTON
Project Coordinator
Georgie was born in Barbados and grew up with a passion for the flora and fauna of this beautiful island. After a further 3 years of education and travel overseas, she attended UWI Cave Hill Campus, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology. She started practicing regenerative farming techniques here in Barbados and then in Australia, after which she decided to dig deeper into Soil Regeneration.
Now, she is able to connect with regeneration techniques at an even greater level, designing functional ecosystems centered on building soil, creating wonderful, rich compost, and understanding the vital importance each organism has within every system.
She joined WIRRED in 2021 as a part of the Regeneration Team, and she now takes the lead on many of the Research and Design Projects at Walkers Reserve and other locations throughout the island.
Elize Rostant
Project Consultant
Elize is a creative professional with a background in design, management and arts administration. Her collaborative approach has led to her successful management of public, private and civil sector teams in the Caribbean, Canada and the United States. She has also worked on transnational projects in the creative and cultural industries with partners from around the world. Over the past several years, Elize has delved more deeply into sustainable development initiatives in the Caribbean, integrating eco-tourism, the arts and regenerative environmental practices as a means of achieving positive cultural transformation. Elize believes in the power of harnessing the region's potential through the development of our people and strives to be a catalyst for positive change by applying her skills and talents to building communities nationally, regionally and internationally.
Kiesha Farnum
Board Member
Kiesha is an international development professional with over 19 years of experience. She has worked in project/programme management, organizational development and climate project finance across a variety of sectors and thematic areas in 28 countries throughout the English and non-English speaking Caribbean. Kiesha holds a Masters in Project Management, with a specialization in the Economics of Oil and Gas (& Renewable Energy) from the University of Liverpool, is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a trained executive leadership coach.
Chris Alleyne
Operations Manager
Chris Alleyne is a plant science specialist and educator with a deep and lifelong passion for plants and their role in shaping resilient ecosystems. His work is rooted in a profound respect for nature, combining expertise in sustainable agriculture, behavioural science, and ecological restoration.
Chris’ connection to the land has taken him from managing large-scale agricultural operations in California to teaching science in local secondary schools, where he has inspired young minds. His love for plants informs every aspect of his approach, from selecting species for regeneration to designing planting systems that support biodiversity and long-term ecological health.
As Operations Manager at Walkers Reserve, Chris leads the on-the-ground transformation of the site, overseeing all planting activities, managing teams, and ensuring the smooth daily operations of the Reserve.
Kierra Clarke
Communications Officer
Kierra Clarke is a passionate communicator with a Bachelor’s degree in Media and Journalism.
She believes deeply in the power of digital storytelling to create real-world impact. With a strong background in social media management, content creation, photography, and writing, Kierra uses her skills to inspire and engage audiences.
She produces compelling videos, captures powerful images, curates newsletters, and manages web content, all with the aim of giving nature a stronger, more visible voice.
Her love for storytelling and the environment led her to WIRRED and Walkers Reserve, where she continues to use digital platforms to spark awareness, action, and change.
Dr. Amelia rouse
Research Consultant
Dr. Amelia Rouse is an Environmental Research Consultant and Visual Artist with a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Birmingham, UK, an MSc in Geological and Environmental Hazards from the University of Portsmouth, UK, and a BSc in Civil Engineering from University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago.
Her expertise in climate, water and ecosystem monitoring has led her to spearheading ecological conservation research projects in Barbados and globally. She champions sustainability through applied environmental research and mentors interns, guiding the next generation of environmental professionals.
Dr. Rouse is also a talented visual artist incorporating nature-based elements into her artwork, reflecting her deep connection to the natural world and her commitment to its preservation.
Jehroum Wood
Director Research & Development
Jehroum Wood, Director Research & Development: Jehroum is an Environmental Management professional. His whole approach is about finding solutions that strengthen people, the planet and our pockets. From spatial planning to video production; he applies a natural science lens to assessing problems and creating sustainable solutions for various local, regional and international organizations. He has also worked on communication & capacity building projects of various scales with specific focus on training and education in environmental and natural resource management.
Meike Joseph
Project Officer & Tour Manager
Meike Joseph graduated from the UWI Cave Hill Campus with a Bachelor of Science degree
in Ecology. During her time at UWI she completed a research project on Remnant Wetlands
on the West Coast of Barbados. This has fueled her passion to work on mangrove
restoration on the island and has also motivated her to work towards more regenerative
practices for Barbados. She also developed a love for beekeeping and has since been
working with the Walkers Reserve Apiary Programme (WRAP). Meike also has over 10
years experience within the tourism industry, which has greatly increased her
communication skills as well as tour and camp managing skills. Her love for the environment
motivates her to find ways in which she can improve environmental awareness, protection,
and sustainability in Barbados.
Joy-Anne Headley
Executive Coordinator
Joy-Anne Headley is an international development professional with extensive experience in program development, coordination, and strategic communications. She holds a Master's in Social Work (MSW) from Boston College and a Bachelor's in Sociology/Anthropology from Saint Michael's College.
Joy-Anne has designed and delivered high-impact projects for international agencies, non-profit organisations and diplomatic missions across the Caribbean, North America and Asia. Through her expertise in capacity building, community engagement, education access, entrepreneurship, gender equality, and human security, she has secured funding from a wide array of entities and built global multi-sector partnerships.
Passionate about social change and a 'bridge-builder' by nature, Joy-Anne effectively engages with diverse stakeholders to deliver positive and sustained impact, due to her passion for culture, the arts, people, and sustainability.
Yashua Holder
Water & Soil Data Collection Officer
Yashua Holder graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science with Chemistry and Sustainable of the Caribbean from the University of West Indies Cavehill Campus.
Driven by a passion for soil health and sustainability, Yashua conducted a soil analysis study at Walkers Reserve, using physical indicators to assess texture, structure, and the impact of regenerative practices. He also led BioTrash to Cash, a research project exploring how biodegradable waste in Barbados can be transformed into valuable resources.
Yashua is currently expanding his skills in data analytics, with a focus on Python and SQL, and is deeply interested in the role of technology in supporting environmental sustainability.
WIRRED believes in all the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Its mandate is in specific alignment with the following goals:
UNSDG
GOALS
WIRRED believes that the Regenerative economy will create real economic growth that will be inclusive to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality.
WIRRED believes that carbon farming and healthy soils will revitalize the food and agriculture sector and will offer key solutions for true development, without degradation, and is integral for hunger and poverty eradication.
WIRRED believes truly regenerative landscapes will be healing and nourishing ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, at all ages.
WIRRED is committed to gender equality as a fundamental human right and is dedicated to working with its communities in a gender-equitable and inclusive manner.
WIRRED is dedicated to researching and supporting carbon neutral and carbon negative technologies and increasing energy efficiency in its operations. We support the decentralized development of clean energy sources that support rural economies and create resilience to the effects of climate change.
WIRRED believes that the circular economy will stimulate regenerative economic growth and allow people to have quality jobs within the regenerative space.
WIRRED is committed to reducing inequalities by providing training and opportunities centered around regenerative agriculture and climate change adaptation and mitigation for disadvantaged and marginalized populations in the communities in which we work.
WIRRED will build regenerative spaces that provide enhanced opportunities to its communities.
WIRRED strives to be a leader in environmental stewardship, responsibly managing its production and consumption inputs and outputs.
WIRRED embraces Climate Change as a reality and is committed to increasing climate resilience.
WIRRED is committed to the careful management of this essential global resource, supporting solutions from Ridge to Reef and working to ensure pollution free watersheds connected to healthy oceans for all.
WIRRED is committed to regenerating forests, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation (man-made or naturally occurring), halting and restoring biodiversity loss.
WIRRED believes that successful regenerative development requires partnerships between all stakeholders; governments, the private sector, and civil society. Partnerships based on shared values and goals that place the planet and people at the center are critical to development at the local, national, regional, and international level.
PARTNERS
