As we celebrate LGBTQ+  Pride Month I wanted to share my experience as a Gay man working for The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales, a truly inclusive organisation...

I began my association with The Trust as a volunteer when my partner, Gareth, worked as the Chef here at The Welsh Wildlife Centre. During a particularly busy evening event, I arrived to pick Gareth up and found a line of customers all needing to be served in record time. I did what I do best and just joined in to help out. From there, over more than fifteen years, I have progressed to being The Visitor Centre Manager here at The Welsh Wildlife Centre, Teifi Marshes.

Throughout my time with the Trust I have always felt that the Trust offers a fully inclusive working environment on all levels - I have never had to hide my relationship, never had to be ashamed of who I am.

I have been encouraged to be an active member of our EDI working group & our Heath & Wellbeing working group as well. I am firm believer that being comfortable in your workplace leads to better mental health and that differences should be celebrated, leading to a more understanding work environment.

Growing up in rural Shropshire & going to school in the mid-80s life was not always so good, I was never able to hide the fact that I am gay, something that did at that time cause me a great deal of problems.

At The Welsh Wildlife Centre we fully believe that nature should be a completely inclusive space, and The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales believes this too. Everything we do is backed up by policies across the Trust to ensure that our aims are met, with regular working group meeting also held to push us forward on our EDI journey.

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales truly is a place where staff, volunteers, and visitors can be themselves. We want nature to be for everyone and for everyone to have Pride in Nature.