Mr Bayley, 48, will step down from his role as campaign manager for the Wilderness Society and take leave to contest the election in May.

He says it was a “humbling” decision to throw his hat into the ring.

“It is a privilege to put your name forward, but it is also quite daunting. It is the ultimate test and job interview.

“I am used to talking about nature but not about myself.”

Mr Bayley, a trained teacher has lived in Nelson for 19 years and said he had never been a member of the Greens’ political party.

He said the time was right “to seek the support of the community to take on a role in the Parliament and continue advocating for a better, fairer and more prosperous Tasmania”.

Mr Bayley said his priorities would include local issues and he is conducting a survey of Nelson electors to seek their views..

“The seat has been held by Jim Wilkinson for a generation and it is a huge opportunity,” he said.

“I’ve been an advocate for Tasmania for decades and I have worked directly with community, industry, independent experts and the Parliament to progress positive change and put a check on some of the most problematic developments that threatened our future prosperity.

“I’m very proud of those achievements and have learned much along the way: how to listen, negotiate, build agreement and achieve real outcomes. This is a record I can build upon in Tasmania’s Parliament.”

The seat of Nelson has been held by Jim Wilkinson since 1995 and seven candidates have nominated to stand to replace him when he retires.

Political analyst Dr Kevin Bonham said Nelson had always been won by a “notional” Independent.

“I expect there will be more candidates nominate and there are a number with a green background but the one who gets a high primary vote will be in the strongest position,” Dr Bonham said.