AVON WILDLIFE TRUST - Key Persons
Joining the Trust in the Spring of 2022, my role is to celebrate the incredible work we're doing for wildlife while inspiring you to take action for nature. I have a background in journalism and PR, and love finding creative and engaging ways to tell a story. Outside of work you'll probably find me at the cinema, walking in the woods or spending time with my family and friends in Wales.
Job Titles:
- My Wild City Community Engagement Officer
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- Member of the Nature Reserves & Land Management Team
- Nature Reserves and Projects Manager
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- Grants and Engagements Manager
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- Health and Safety Consultant
I assist the CEO and Senior Leadership Team with H&S management and compliance, through the provision of professional and technical advice and guidance and the delivery of essential H&S training. I also complete H&S Audits and ensure we have robust policy documents, safe working procedures and risk assessments in place. I love working with Avon Wildlife Trust because I am passionate about the vital work they do and personally I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible, in all weathers - it is so good for our mental health and wellbeing.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Nature Reserves & Land Management Team
- Nature Reserves and Projects Manager
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- Deputy Centre Manager ( Outsourced )
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- Member of the Nature Reserves & Land Management Team
- Head of Nature Reserves & Land Management
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- Learning Development Officer - Family and Early Years Lead
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- Catchment Market Delivery Manager
As Operations Officer at Grow Wilder, I look after the day to day in the office: supporting my colleagues and serving customers. My job also includes hiring our unique spaces out, leading corporate volunteer days, completing key maintenance and infrastructure upgrades…and anything else that comes up! It's a real privilege to work in an office surrounded by food, wildflowers and a community that is pushing for a more sustainable future.
Having grown up in the countryside, I have always had a love for wildlife and the outdoors. I spent summer days climbing trees and talking to the cows at the bottom of the garden. Working for Avon Wildlife Trust enables me to have the opportunity to let people know about the wonderful reserves there are and to express the importance of surrounding ourselves in nature.
Job Titles:
- Centre Manager ( Outsourced )
Dominic has been a campaigner, researcher and consultant on environmental economics, policy and strategy for more than 30 years. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, he campaigned to stop deforestation, especially of tropical and temperate rainforests. During his Masters degree, he wrote one of the earliest papers on the potential impacts of climate change on patterns of agricultural trade. His doctoral thesis - on the drivers behind the narrowing of in situ genetic diversity in agriculture - was published in full by Macmillan Press. After almost 20 years with Eunomia, the consulting firm he set up in 2001, he exited the company, and now carries out advisory work on environmental policy and strategy, as well as writing on environmental matters. He is an Honorary Member of the Green Angel Syndicate, and was formerly Chair of the Board of the West of England Nature Partnership.
Dr Mark Steer works in an academic role at the University of the West of England where he teaches, researches and practices conservation biology. Mark is involved in developing novel conservation monitoring techniques focused on extracting species' DNA from the environment to understand the distribution and behaviour of elusive species ranging from eels to lemurs. He is also assisting the creation of a new protected area in Madagascar's central highlands. He has been involved in a number of studies to understand the impact of changing environmental conditions and economic drivers on wildlife-rich habitats in Somerset.
Job Titles:
- Community Ecologist in Residence ( Community Climate Action Plan )
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- Catchment Market Ecologist
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- Member of the Nature Reserves & Land Management Team
- Nature Reserves & Projects Officer
Job Titles:
- Member of the Nature Reserves & Land Management Team
- Nature Reserves and Projects Officer
I started with Avon Wildlife Trust in May 2021. I carry out practical land management across our reserves to benefit wildlife and allow safe and enjoyable access to the public. The Living Landscapes team is supported by a large number of dedicated volunteers, and an important and fun part of my role is leading weekly sessions for some of these volunteers out on ours reserves.
I feel so lucky to work in some of the region's most beautiful and important landscapes, alongside people from such a range of backgrounds and varying expertise - I'm constantly learning!
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- People and Wildlife Officer
I run events and activities aiming to get people from all backgrounds and of all ages out in nature and inspired about wildlife and how to take action to protect it. I love being outside, bird watching, taking photos of bugs and sharing my love of animals with others!
Job Titles:
- Member of the Nature Reserves & Land Management Team
- Nature Reserves & Projects Assistant
Since 2014 I have worked as a freelance HR Consultant to the Trust providing HR support to the Senior Leadership Team and staff as required and working on specific projects. I work with a number of different organisations but I particularly love my work with the Trust as I am so impressed by all the fantastic staff who have so much passion for the work that they are doing. Although freelance, I feel so much part of this family!
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- England Nature Partnership Nature and Health Coordinator
It's a real privilege to be leading an organisation full of fantastic people that are focussed on one of the most important issues of our day - bringing back the abundance of wildlife and restoring nature in our area for the benefit of people and wildlife. Partnership working is a big part of my role - I chair the West of England Nature Partnership and lead Bristol's One City work on tackling the ecological emergency. When I'm not at work, you'll find me out exploring nature, visiting reserves, walking and canoeing with family and friends.
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- People and Wildlife Manager
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- Centre Director
- Director of Finance and Resources
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- Site Support ( Outsourced )
As Office Manager I am part of a team who provide behind-the-scenes support services to the Trust in order to allow it to focus on restoring and nurturing wildlife habitats in our local area. I have a lifelong passion for observing wildlife in its natural habitat and I am delighted to be able to make my small contribution to making a positive impact on nature by working with people who are thoroughly committed to that aim.
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- Head of Communities and Engagement
Having been part of the AWT team for over 12 years, I've learnt by getting my hands dirty - developing and delivering projects that actively support nature's recovery - working with children, communities, businesses and volunteers of all abilities . I'm passionate about providing opportunities for people of all ages to connect with, learn about, and care for, the natural world. With nearly 15% of all species now at risk of disappearing completely, and Britain ranked as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, now is the time for collective action to address the ecological emergency we all face.
Karen has spent over 30 years in wildlife conservation and environmental management, working for public and private organisations including the Environment Agency and Wessex Water. She is currently Technical Director for Carbon within the Engineering Net Zero Programme at AtkinsRéalis.
With a lifelong commitment to the Wildlife Trusts, extensive experience in managing impactful environmental projects, skills in implementing behavioural change, fundraising and financial management, Karen has expertise in and a personal passion for nature; she wants to use these to drive positive change and connect people with nature through the Trustee role at Avon Wildlife Trust.
Karen says "I was drawn to this opportunity as I feel the role requirements dovetail really well with the skills and knowledge I have gained over the course of my career, as well as my personal passion for the natural environment. The role aligns with my belief in the importance of connecting people with nature, and the imperative to raise awareness of, and take action to address the biodiversity and climate crises. I would love the opportunity to apply my passion and knowledge to a meaningful cause, helping make a difference within my local area.
My role involves providing finance and admin support to the rest of the team at Avon Wildlife Trust to ensure they are able carry out important work restoring nature and inspiring communities. I love being able to work for an organisation full of people who share my love for nature and wildlife, and learning about all the exciting projects being worked on.
Kate qualified as a Chartered Accountant at PwC in Bristol and worked mainly in the Charity and Public Sectors on clients such as Bristol Zoo, National Trust and the Forestry Commission. In 2011, Kate moved to Triodos Bank to help set up their Internal Audit and Risk management function in their UK division, before moving into an Operations role in the Business Banking team. Kate has always loved walking and horse-riding in the Mendips, and discovering the wildlife that inhabits it, since she was six years old. She has two young boys and wants them to enjoy the countryside and wildlife as much as she did as a child. After reading the AWT Magazine this summer, they made a pond in their garden and all of the family were delighted when they found a frog had made it its home.
Job Titles:
- Head of Commercial Development
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- Chairman of Trustees
- Partner at Law Firm Osborne Clarke
Lara has been a partner at law firm Osborne Clarke since 2001; she is head of its Bristol office and a member of its supervisory board. A long-time supporter of various environmental charities, Lara is passionate about wildlife conservation and biodiversity.
Within her work as a commercial lawyer, she champions the "greening" of business contracts, through measures such as incorporating environmental and net zero commitments into supply chain arrangements. She has also advised on various projects promoting "nature-based solutions". Lara loves heading out into the countryside for weekend walks with her two teenage sons and teaching them to appreciate the natural environment. She is also really enjoying re-wilding her garden in Bristol to create a wildlife-friendly habitat.
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- Corporate and Community Fundraising Officer ( on Maternity Leave )
My role is to steward supporters and create fundraising opportunities for both the community and businesses. I joined the trust in April 2021 because I wanted to make a difference for wildlife and empower the community to take action to create a wilder future that we all desperately need. I love the outdoors and when I'm not at work I'm at my allotment or on a walk surrounded by nature.
I manage much of our learning work, including our school visits to the wonderful Folly Farm centre, our My Wild Child and Wildlife Watch groups and our lifelong learning programmes. I am also lucky enough to lead lots of outdoor learning myself, and love nothing better than helping children explore and learn about our incredible local nature and what they can do to help it thrive. We have a fantastic learning programme for people from 2 to 102, and I feel privileged to work for a charity that is working hard to tackle the ecological and climate crises, whilst bringing more nature into local people's lives.
Job Titles:
- Nature - Based Solutions Manager
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- Corporate and Community Fundraising Officer ( Maternity Cover )
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- Chartered Accountant
- Chairman of Finance and Resources Committee
Martin is a chartered accountant and business leader with a successful 30-year career developed in visionary, values defined organisations. In 1998 he and his family relocated to the Southwest attracted by the natural beauty of the region and the opportunity to join Orange. Over 13 years he played a leading role establishing the commercial culture of the business during a period of unprecedented growth to market leadership and integration into EE.
In the last decade he led the transformation of Alexandra placing sustainable practices at its core and playing a key role during the COVID crisis. A keen hiker, runner, and dog walker whose experiences in the UK's national parks has created a lasting appreciation for the benefits of nature and its positive impact on lives. He is a lifelong member of the National Trust and a walk leader volunteer at Bathscape.
Job Titles:
- Michelle Webber Assistant Housekeeper
Nathan is a science teacher at an inner-city secondary school in Bristol. His passion for nature and the environment started from childhood, and then he went on to study environmental science at university. From connections made in Plymouth, he self-funded a research trip to Nicaragua for seven months with the help of ENCA (the Environmental Network of Central America); investigating the impact of society and tourism on its environment. Whilst there, he found that education and immersion in the outdoors is key to making people value nature and the positive impact it can have on our lives. He currently run an eco-club for students within his school, trying to encourage a culturally diverse school body to collectively care more about the environment. The benefits of nature on our well being are clear to those of us that immerse ourselves in the outdoors. However, communities which have not had these experiences cannot place value on something they do not relate to. He wants to work with the trust to open these experiences for all communities of Bristol and Bath; creating a welcoming environment for all cultures and a trust that represents its community.
Ped has a huge passion for improving our food and agricultural systems and the natural environment. He is committed to helping to find a way that we can exist on this planet in a way that benefits all flora and fauna. Originally studying environmental sciences at university, Ped spent the next decade mixed between travelling and operational and commercial management of small to medium sized business in the food retail sector. Deciding to combine his degree with his work, Ped has been working at The Community Farm for 6 years and is the Managing Director. The Community Farm is a social enterprise with the aim of improving our local food systems though nature friendly farming. He is also a founding member and sits on the board of Bristol Food Producers, an organisation aiming to upscale local food production and distribution in Bristol. In his spare time Ped enjoys running, football, cycling and being in the sea. And food.
The natural world is suffering a terrible decline in health. We are all contributing to it whether we want to believe it or not, but there is hope! The Wildlife Trusts do an amazing job in safeguarding our natural world for future generations. I love working for Avon Wildlife Trust as a membership recruiter. I enjoy engaging with the general public and communicating the importance of the work that the Trust does. One of the best ways you can help to support UK wildlife and nature is to support your local Wildlife Trust, and I urge everyone to do so.
Rebecca has over 13 years' experience building and supporting movements to advance the fight for an open, just, and habitable world. She was listed in Management Today's 35 Women Under 35 list in 2020, and in 2019 listed in the WISE100, recognising the most inspiring and influential women in social enterprise, impact investment and mission-driven business. Rebecca is currently Country Director / CEO at The Hunger Project UK and was previously CEO for the charity City to Sea. She is skilled at incentivising collaboration across sectors and leveraging support and expertise to maximise impact through engaging and unique proposals. City to Sea's behaviour change campaigns tangibly benefited from her innovative ideas and responsiveness, surpassing strategic objectives under her leadership. In 2019 she came up with the National Refill Day awareness day, as part of their Refill campaign, which resulted in 100+ pieces of media coverage and was trending all day on Twitter. She is passionate about getting money to the climate solutions that will have the biggest impact.
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- Individual Giving Officer
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- Nature 's Recovery Officer
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- Grow Wilder Land Management Officer
My role is based at our Grow Wilder reserve, where we use wildlife friendly gardening and regenerative food growing to demonstrate how people can take action for nature in their communities. I primarily work with volunteers to manage our habitats and food growing production, in addition to coordinating the Grow Leader course.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Governance Committee
Ross is a partner in the law firm Burges Salmon and heads their renewable energy team. Ross has over 25 years experience advising on environmental and sustainable energy and has worked on many of the UK's key projects in that area. He has always had a love of wildlife and the countryside. Ross was previously a council member of the United Kingdom Environmental Law Association and is a Trustee for Bristol's "We the Curious." He is also on the managing Board of Burges Salmon.
Job Titles:
- Grow Wilder Cafe and Retail Officer
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- Trusts and Grants Fundraising Officer
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- Grow Wilder Nursery Officer
I work at our Grow Wilder site running the wildflower nursery and demonstration plantings around the site to help people see how wildflowers can be used in their gardens and allotments. I enjoy working with the volunteers to grow the plants and opening people's eyes to the beauty of our native wildflowers and their value for wildlife.
Job Titles:
- Team Wilder Communications and Engagement Officer
My role involves celebrating and encouraging people to take action for nature through inspirational stories and empowering resources. Protecting wildlife has never been so needed and there are many ways to enrich your life through appreciating and protecting your local environment, on an individual and community scale. My background in marketing and a love for being outdoors, means that working for the Trust is a dream come true!
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- Learning Development Officer - Youth Lead
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- Michelle Webber Assistant Housekeeper
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- Learning Communications and Administration Officer
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- Estates & Business Development Project Manager ( Outsourced )
Sumita is a Non-Executive Director and diversity leader with over 15 years' experience of strategic influence and negotiation, at the highest levels, in the public and private sector. She has had a focus on sustainability and nature in all aspects of her career and currently volunteers as the PR, media and organisations lead for Europe for Conscious Planet - Save Soil.
Diversity is another strong focus. Sumita chaired Bristol's Mayoral commission on Racial Equality from 2016 to 2019 and continues to champion and lead on diversity in her non-exec roles. She brings considerable experience and expertise in organisational governance and a strong legal and commercial background having started her career as an employment lawyer.
Sumita says: "I am delighted to be applying for this role. I love the vision and values of Avon Wildlife Trust. I believe these are vital and I would love to be a part of delivering the strategy, locally in the areas that I live and work in. I also believe that I would bring valuable Board governance expertise together with a diverse and fresh insight from the global work I am doing as part of Save Soil".
Job Titles:
- Head of Nature 's Recovery
Zac has been a chartered architect for over 16 years and an associate with Alec French Architects for over 12 years. With an overarching ethos for low energy low impact sustainable architecture, he is a certified Passivhaus Designer and has extensive knowledge of a wide range of construction and building types; community, education, residential, mixed use, sports and leisure projects. Practicing what he preaches, he manages the office ISO14001 accreditation, has gained Carbon Neutral® company status, undertakes carbon foot printing and plants native broadleaf trees in the local community for carbon offsetting.
He is also passionate about conservation of native wildlife, taking holidays in Northumberland and Cornwall, seal and dolphin watching. He supports a number of animal and wildlife charities; World Animal Protector, Four Paws, The Brooke, The Donkey Sanctuary, The Woodland Trust and is a volunteer and member of the Friends of the Bath Cats and Dogs Home.