The annual WTBCN AGM in October was held at the Northampton School for Boys - the first one bringing the chance to meet in person again since 2019, so a very welcome opportunity to meet and see members again.

The event was very well attended by enthusiastic members, with another 100 joining online. Stands showcased the Trust's work, various presentations were made, with the Young People's Forum proving especially inspiring, explaining why they are involved with the Trust and what they want to achieve for nature in our region. As usual awards were made to some valued and dedicated volunteers, and guest speaker was The Wildlife Trust's Director of Climate Change Kathryn Brown, OBE.

After lunch members went out to visit Summer Leys and Pitsford reserves and enjoyed guided walks from the reserves staff on site.

Awards for  volunteers

The Richenda Huxley Award recognises an outstanding contribution to any aspect of the work of the Trust. This year’s recipient was Anthea Heywood; a Cambourne Volunteer Ranger, whose tireless dedication sees her carrying a litter picker with her whilst she walks her dog, helping keep rubbish levels down on daily visits to the nature reserve. Anthea chose a number of books, including Collins Bird Guide and books for her grandchildren.

The Oliver Rackham Award recognises an individual who had demonstrated outstanding service to wildlife through conservation, monitoring or research. This year two nominees whose contributions have been so significant that it was decided to make an award to both: Jonathan Shanklin and Dick Smith.

Jonathan has many years of dedication to nature conservation and botanical recording in Cambridgeshire. He has a long history of volunteering with Trust work parties, and in helping with County Wildlife Sites, has become an active member of the Wildlife Sites panel. As the Botanical Society recorder for the vice-county of Cambridgeshire, he maintains and develops an important database for the county. His expertise in botanical recording, and his energy and stamina on fieldwork, are a great asset to the county. Jonathan chose A Supplement to The Liverwort Flora of the British Isles and requested that the Trust purchased three copies of Collins Wild Flower Guide to inspire beginners.

Dick Smith has dedicated many years to Glapthorn Cow Pastures, Northants, where he has been warden for almost 20 years. His weekly volunteer group has carried out nearly all of the habitat work on site, so reserves staff have only to deal with large fallen trees. The reserve has probably had more, and better, targeted habitat management effort per hectare than any other Northamptonshire reserve. His work has helped maintain the reserve as probably the best place to see black hairstreaks in the country, as well as an important site for nightingales. Dick chose two books by Oliver Rackham – Woodlands and Trees, and Woodland in the British Landscape: The Complete History of Britain’s Trees, Woods and Hedgerows.

The Jon Smith Award was constituted in 2017 in memory of a much loved and missed former Great Fen Restoration Officer, a passionate conservationist who passed away in 2013, and recognises a volunteer who has gone the extra mile in their work for the Trust, having a significant impact on a particular aspect of the Trust’s work.

Again two nominees were both awarded, of significance to both, having worked with Jon Smith at the Great Fen. Andrew Cuthbert and Geoff Willis have both taken on the practical tasks from fencing, brush cutting, tractor work to help with the access work in the wider Great Fen. Andrew chose books on fenland history, The Celts, The English Civil War, and a guide to Road Trips in Australia. Geoff chose The Great Fen – A journey through time by Alan Bowley; a guide to Toronto and Ontario, an Ordnance Survey walks guide; Walking in Norfolk, and a biography of Jurgen Klopp.

Save the date for next year - October 14 2023!