Trustees and Staff working together to protect wildlife

Trust Chair since summer 2024. I have worked in Nature conservation since 1991 taking three years out to study for a degree in Environmental Science at Aberystwyth University.

For the past 24 years I have worked for the Countryside Council for Wales and now Natural Resources Wales as part of the National Nature Reserve (NNR) management team. Initially as an estate worker in Pembrokeshire assisting Bob Haycock then moving to become a Senior Reserve Manager in Ceredigion undertaking this role for fourteen years. Since 2011 I have been back in Pembrokeshire working for CCW/NRW primarily managing the National Nature Reserves but also the Welsh Government Woodland Estate. So, I have been lucky enough to manage a wide range of NNR’s from coastal sites, wetlands, uplands to woodlands. No true islands but these sites all islands of biodiversity in farmed and afforested landscapes.

I am based at the Stackpole Estate on the Castlemartin Peninsula. I advise the National Trust and the Ministry of Defence on the management of their estate for nature conservation. I coordinate the monitoring of the special features and this includes the seabird colonies and breeding chough in the SSSI/SPA.

I am a full member of the Charted Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. I joined the Board of Trustees of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales in 2019 and became Vice Chair in 2021. I have been a school governor at my local high school for eight years and am a Coastguard Rescue Officer with the St Govan’s Coastguard Rescue Team.

I was appointed to the Board in 2018 and have been Treasurer since 2020. My background is in banking, specialising in risk, compliance and governance. Based in South Wales, I have a passion for the outdoors, walking and conservation. I also act as a trustee for the Open Spaces Society, Britain’s oldest conservation charity. I am also on the board of the following not for profit companies: the Long Distance Walkers’ Association in the capacity of risk and environment Officer and South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre as treasurer. I am currently studying for an environment management diploma to further improve my knowledge in this sector.

I have been a member of the Wildlife Trust since the 1980’s and am committed to their work in educating the public and in raising awareness of the value of our flora and fauna, which are beyond price.  I believe in the conservation and protection of nature but accept that at times other interests may have to take priority where compromise cannot be reached.  I have been bound by professional codes of conduct and ethics for many years (as a Member of the British Psychological Society and senior social worker) and have wide experience in managing meetings and minute taking.  WTSWW Trustee since 2015.  Chair of Local Groups Forum.

WTSWW Vice Chair since summer 2024. I am a physiotherapist, Chinese medicine practitioner and founder of a community interest company art gallery which promotes awareness of the environment and conservation and have worked with a wide range of conservation groups. I have worked for both the NHS and in private practice. I have an interest in education and ethics and was a senior lecturer and course leader at University of Westminster for 17 years. I was Chair of Brecknock Wildlife Trust and led it through the merger with WTSWW. I enjoy hill walking, qi gong, Chinese philosophy and growing wildflowers, trees, medicinal herbs and vegetables. Co-opted May 2018, appointed to the Board Dec 2018. Currently leading the Trustees’ work on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

I first visited Skomer as a boy and have returned regularly since on retirement 3 years ago and moving to Pembrokeshire, I started to volunteer there, and that, along with my developing knowledge and passion for the work of the Trust, and seabird conservation in particular, has made me want to contribute my skills and experience as a Trustee. My training is in science – I hold a PhD in Chemistry – and I am an effective and enthusiastic communicator to diverse audiences, developed through my teaching and public engagement experience. I have a strong knowledge of climate change science, impacts and mitigation.

Growing up in the country I have cared about wildlife all my life.  My skills and experience from my career in communications, local politics and arts leadership would enable me to make a significant contribution as a trustee.  I have been a trustee for arts organisations and have chaired a large housing association.  I was a local councillor for eight years (in Ealing, London) culminating in being Leader.  I hugely admire the work of this organisation – it is crucially important for the future of society – and it is an honour to serve as a trustee. Experience in a variety of Trustee roles noting the difference in governance and management. Understanding of charitable finances and strategic risk management. Experience of marketing, communications, fundraising and organisational management.  Interest in EDI issues and the need for organisations to change to engage people from right across society. 

Raised in Marloes, I have a long relationship with the Trust - supporting the trust with marketing input on major fundraisers and projects, and raising funds personally. I now live in Ystradgynlais, and so have an understanding of the wide range of reserves the trust manages. As a former marketer and university lecturer with my own technology business I can bring marketing, fundraising, and tech skills along with broader business knowledge in areas such as data protection, privacy, and security. I am also an experienced Trustee - recently serving as a Trustee for the Royal Society of Arts.

Wildlife has never been more important and more at risk. I would like to put a lifelong passion for nature and conservation to use by applying to be a trustee of WTSWW in order to support those who have the knowledge and ability to protect and enhance nature in Wales for future generations. 
A connection with nature is vital for our mental and physical health and I have witnessed this first hand as a doctor, especially during the pandemic. Concern about climate change and the environment is an urgent priority and I want to do all I can to help. 
 

I have always felt a strong emotional connection to the environment. When I was younger, I spent summer evenings climbing trees and sketching flowers. My concern for the environment came to a head with the 2018 IPCC report which led me to change my diet and the way I interact with the world. 

I have volunteered for as long as I can remember, and worked in the third sector for over 10 years, with a goal to “try to leave the world better than I found it”. I recently relocated to Pembrokeshire and would love to continue volunteering within my community, with the hope that my background in events and fundraising, and skills in marketing and project management, could be of use. I see no greater a calling than to protect wildlife from the problems humanity has caused.