Working together to protect wildlife

Puffins gathering on Skomer Island

Pia Reufsteck

Working together to protect wildlife

How we are run

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales is an independent, autonomous charity with its own Board of Trustees. We are run by a small group of dedicated staff and supported by a large number of enthusiastic volunteers!

Join us for our AGM in November!

Please join us for the Annual General Meeting on Thursday 16th November to hear about the work the Trust has been doing over the last year and plans for the future. 

To receive the Zoom joining details members should contact Diana Clark on d.clark@welshwildlife.org giving their name, address and membership number if known. The AGM Agenda and End of Year Accounts are below. 

The 20th Annual General Meeting of The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales took place in November 2022. The 2022 Meeting Agenda, 2021 AGM Minutes, 2021/2022 Trustees Report and Accounts are attached below for information.

Our Trustees

Trustees are elected at a General Meeting in accordance with our Royal Charter and Bye-Laws. As a registered charity, our activities are regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Trustees have a legal duty to act only in the best interests of their charity. They must not put themselves in any position where their duties as a trustee may conflict with any personal interest they may have. 

Mike Alexander

Trust Chair since the end of 2020. I recognise my lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation when as a thirteen-year-old I was so inspired by a visit to Skomer that I decided that I would, one day, become the warden. Eventually I spent 10 years as warden of Skomer. In 1986 I moved to North Wales where I managed 5 NNRs. For 17 years I was responsible for coordinating the management of all NNRs in Wales. My textbook on adaptive conservation planning has become a standard text on the subject. I taught a Masters module on conservation at Birkbeck, University of London, and also at Bangor University where I am an Honorary Lecturer. Trustee since September 2017. Chair of the Islands Conservation Advisory Committee (ICAC).

Paul Culyer

As with so many nature conservationists, my first experience was as a volunteer.  This helped me acquire some of the skills and knowledge I needed to get my first job and begin my career.  So having been made aware of an opportunity to apply for the role of Trustee with WTSWW it seemed like a good time to go back to my roots.  I currently work for Natural Resources Wales. Public service and voluntary work I strongly feel are important for us as individuals and for our society.  I can offer my experience as a professional in nature conservation alongside a wider knowledge of organisational management.  Appointed to the Board in 2019.  Vice Chair since AGM 2020. 

Stuart Bain

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.

Shirley Matthews

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.

Rosey Grandage

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.

Catrin Evans

I have worked in nature conservation for 25 years, with roles ranging from project delivery, site management and engagement, to strategy development and business planning. I now run a consultancy business in South Wales, supporting the development and delivery of nature conservation strategies, plans and projects. I feel strongly about addressing the climate and nature emergencies, and in improving peoples’ lives through their connection with the natural environment. WTSWW is at the forefront of facilitating the change that is needed in South Wales and I am honoured to support and help shape the Trust’s work in the coming years.

Michail (Mike) Davies

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.

Leonora Thompson

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. 

Lucy Griffiths

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.

Jenny Hughes

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. 
 

Jess Moore

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.
 

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What we do