With a background in secondary education, David Green has introduced hundreds of young people to wildlife as a biology teacher and a mountain leader.  After being a member of the Trust for over 27 years, David was co-opted as a Trustee in January 2021.  David told us about how he wanted to use his personal passion for wild spaces to make a real contribution in the face of adversity.  “For me, connecting with wild places and wildlife for me means anything from rock pooling in the rain as a child, going on wildlife safari in Namibia, walking to Moseley Bog during lockdown or climbing a remote mountain whilst watching eagles.  All of these experiences have been central to my life from a very young age, yet future generations risk never having these experiences because of the ecological and climate crisis”.

David also told us about how easy it can be to forget about the important connections with nature when living in an urban environment.  “An urban tree can really symbolise our fundamental connection with nature; a magnificent tree going about its business carrying out photosynthesis provides a valuable service in absorbing carbon but is also a source of wonder and inspiration for humankind.”

We asked David about his experience of being a Trustee and what it involves for him.  “I try to act as a critical friend to the management team whilst bringing some useful specialist knowledge and skills. My background allows me to contribute to particular areas such as the development of the EcoPark classroom, increasing involvement of young people and working with schools.  Whilst being a Trustee involves some meetings it is the output of these that is exciting: our new strategy to 2030, fundraising initiatives such as Wild Walk Week and the ongoing development of our overall work.” David recommends that Trustees should get hands on to fully understand the Trust’s work.  “I recommend that all Trustees participate in an event, take part in a day of volunteering or shadow a group to really understand the significance of what we do.  One of the best things about being a Trustee is the opportunity to learn, both formally and informally.  I recently joined a guided heathland walk, which helped me develop a greater understanding of the habitat and the Trust’s restoration project.   Similarly each meeting leads to a better understanding of the role the Trust plays in Birmingham and the Black Country, particularly their work with Councils and Planners.”

We asked David about what a typical month as a Trustee looks like and if he has any advice to new Trustees.  “A typical month as might involve two meetings, mostly online at present, some informal discussions with the management team or other Trustees, a few hours reading papers and hopefully, some practical activity as mentioned earlier.  Whilst some of this can be ‘dry’, it’s all essential to ensure the Trust is a well-run organisation, capable of making a real difference to nature, our community and wild places. If you have the time and interest, I fully recommend it.”

Alex Nicholson-Evans was co-opted as one of five new Trustees in October 2022 at our Annual General Meeting.  As one of our newest Trustees, we asked Alex about how she became interested in the Trust’s work.  “I began following the Trust’s work during lockdown. Like many, during this incredibly challenging time, I found being in nature absolutely restorative. I don’t have a garden so I started to explore local green spaces; I visited over 60 of the region’s parks and nature reserves - including Moseley Bog and Hill Hook.  When I read the Trust’s vision (A wilder Birmingham and Black Country with more green and wild spaces where nature thrives, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to access nature in their daily lives) something just clicked.  I believe in that vision whole heartedly so I was thrilled when I saw a vacancy for Trustees especially as there was a call for people with skills in business engagement, marketing and communications and income generation.”

As a former Commercial Director and now running her own business, we asked Alex about what skills she wanted to bring to the role of a Trustee.  “I felt confident in my track record of delivering in those areas and wanted to use my skills to make a difference.  Whilst I don’t bring vast professional experience in nature and the environment, I was excited to use the experience and skill set I do have to support the work of the Trust.  Volunteering for causes that I believe in has always been incredibly important to me. I have consistently dedicated time in my day-to-day life to volunteering including for the NHS, the National Trust, Girl Guiding and a number of social enterprises and local causes. Some of those roles have been hands-on and practical and others have been in the capacity of a Trustee. I volunteer very simply because I want to help.”

Alex told us about how her love for wild spaces has developed since lockdown.  “I am now finding great pleasure in long-distance hiking; seeking out and exploring green and wild places. It might sound a little cheesy but my experience over the last couple of years connecting with nature and being outdoors much more has been fairly life changing. It has brought out a passion in me for ensuring that everyone has green and wild spaces to enjoy in their day-to-day lives.”

We asked Alex about her experience of being a Trustee so far.  “I’ve had a great experience of becoming a Trustee, the interview process felt professional but welcoming and I am now beginning my induction after being voted onto the council by members just a few weeks ago (thank you!). The first weeks of being a Trustee often involves a lot of reading and paperwork and it can feel like quite a challenge to get fully up-to-speed.  I’m currently getting to grips with the new strategy, the financial position and will no doubt spend the next few months doing a lot of listening and learning!  It’s not all papers and meetings though. I’ve already enjoyed participating in the Trust’s Wild Walk Week fundraiser and am very excited for the future!”