Terraverde was founded by musician John Hill, who left a legacy gift to establish a foundation born from his philanthropic vision. Terraverde was created to address the interconnected issues of health and wealth inequality, alongside the urgent challenges of climate change.
John Hill was a man of contrasts: someone whose life unfolded in layers of complexity, challenging the norms and exploring ideas with a deeply introspective mind. His legacy is one of searching for meaning, purpose, and connection in a world that often felt unequal. John grappled with the challenges of navigating systems that seemed designed to benefit the few, while leaving the many struggling for recognition, resources, and opportunities to thrive.
Initially, John studied Biology at Imperial College London, driven by his love for nature, but halfway through his studies, he changed course to pursue the double bass. His passion for music took him across the world, touring with the London Symphony Orchestra and performing on hundreds of film soundtracks, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and James Bond. He was an active member of the Musicians’ Union, advocating for the rights of artists and performers.
John was adopted and raised by a mother who was a strong feminist and a publisher. She took him on trips to Italy as a child, where she owned a house that served as a commune for artists. In 2001, John moved to Italy permanently, settling in a small mountain community called Monti di Villa in Bagni di Lucca, where he became fluent in Italian. John also practiced as a Buddhist and his house was piled high with books on religion and philosophy. His home in the mountains was a place of peace and calm, the perfect setting for his meditation practice.
He loved speaking about the importance of pollinators like bees, and spending time in the forests. John would often disappear for days, walking through the mountains and immersing himself in nature. He felt committed to protecting biodiversity and believed that every species played a crucial role in maintaining balance within the environment.
When James Armitage, now Chair of Terraverde, first met John in 2005, he found a man with deep intellectual curiosity about the world. Introduced to him by James’ sculptor aunt, Maureen, John was already a figure of distinction: a classical musician with a particular passion for the double bass. James describes John’s personality as insightful, empathetic, and yet, at times, difficult. John had his own troubles and was often grappling with the challenges of human connection and feeling isolated. His bequest to Terraverde was a final act of conscience, a way for him to leave a meaningful impact. Influenced by journalist and environmentalist George Monbiot and political commentator and author Owen Jones, he consumed their views on social and political issues, particularly on climate change, and in his later years, his mind often wrestled with the thought that humanity had already passed five out of seven of the climate extinction events.
Towards the end of his life, John spent a considerable amount of time with James, where he shared his vision for his gifted money to support a charity that would help both the environment and people. James, an experienced wealth manager, had been John’s friend and financial advisor until his passing. Leaving it in James’s hands to carry this forward, they agreed to set up a new and unique charity focused on addressing the interconnected issues of climate change, health, and wealth inequality across the UK. This charity has since evolved into a foundation dedicated to these causes.
The name “Terraverde” operates in John’s memory. “Terra” means “earth” or “land” in Italian, while “verde” means “green,” which honours John’s later years spent in Italy and his love for the planet. Green Earth represents nature, the environment, the planet in its entirety: Mother Nature, and humanity. Seeking to protect nature and foster environmental sustainability for future generations, the work done through this foundation carries forward his commitment to the planet and the communities in need. It embodies the philosophy that the health of our world is intrinsically tied to the health of its people.
John Hill’s legacy is about his relentless search for meaning and purpose. He left behind a legacy of passion. A passion for music, for nature, for intellectual discovery and, above all, for a planet he sought to protect. We are inviting you to join our journey and grow alongside us. #GrowWithTerraverde
Continuing the Legacy
As Terraverde evolves as a foundation, we remain committed to the original mission and vision that John Hill set forth. Like John, we recognise the bridge between climate action and inequality. The evidence is clear: natural disasters and environmental chaos continue to devastate communities globally, disrupting lives and intensifying inequality. Similarly, tackling poverty and injustice requires a holistic approach that considers environmental factors, ensuring that those who have been most harmed are given a voice in the solutions. Join us in driving meaningful change. Support Terraverde today and be part of a future where environmental and social justice go hand in hand.
