Kent Wildlife Trust's 62nd AGM - with a twist

On 19 September 2020, Kent Wildlife Trust held their 62nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) to look back on 2019, but with a slight twist.


Every year, Kent Wildlife Trust holds their AGM, summing up last year’s achievements, saying goodbye to Trustees, welcoming new Trustees, and presenting volunteers with awards for their continuous hard work and their contribution towards the Trust – however, this year was the first virtual AGM.

Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic regulations, Kent Wildlife Trust held their 62nd AGM digitally. While a select few were able to attend the AGM at Tyland Barn, the rest of the Trustees, attendees or volunteer representatives, were still able to attend and take part from the comfort of their own homes.  While these regulations are not ideal for many, being able to hold large meetings virtually has opened up many opportunities going forward. 

Looking back at 2019, Kent Wildlife Trust’s supporters, members and donors enabled the Trust to stand up for wildlife across the county, working with people and communities to help create a Wilder Kent.  

This support continues to this day, and the Trust is looking forward to the future in stepping closer to achieving their vision by creating a Wilder Kent. This will be achieved through the exciting upcoming projects and campaigns using nature-based solutions to solve our current climate and nature issues, such as introducing bison to the Blean Woods and working with individuals and businesses in offering a solution to store carbon.

This year’s AGM saw Kent Wildlife Trust say goodbye to some of their long-standing Trustees. Chairman Michael Bax, who has been a Trustee since 2013 and the Chair since 2014. Trustee Victoria Golding, who has been supporting the Trust since the 1970s and a Trustee since 1981. Trustee and Honorary Secretary Graham Hill, who has been a Trustee since 2011 Honorary Secretary since 2012. All bringing their knowledge, experience and expertise to the Trust.

While Kent Wildlife Trust has said goodbye to a few Trustees, the Trust has also welcomed two new Trustees, Katherine Jary and Tamarin Ward, who will continue taking the Trust on their journey going forward. As well as the Trust’s new Chairman, Dr Chris West.

Evan Bowen-Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Kent Wildlife Trust said:

“Reflecting on 2019 has shown how far we have come in preparing ourselves to deliver on our Wilder Kent vision. Developing our nature-based solutions work to demonstrate how natural habitats can help combat climate change, and ground-breaking projects like introducing bison to Blean Woods is the next step in this exciting journey. While we say goodbye to some long-standing Trustees, I know that our new Chairman, Dr Chris West, and new Trustees, Katherine Jary and Tamarin Ward, share this ambition and will bring their expertise in helping us increase our conservation impact. Despite Covid-19, these remain exciting times for conservation in Kent.”

 

Every year Kent Wildlife Trust presents volunteers with awards for their continuous hard work and their contribution to Kent Wildlife Trust. The winners receive a cash prize and a silver butterfly to commemorate all they have done. This year, Kent Wildlife Trust partnered up with The Marsh Christian Trust in awarding a cheque and a certificate of thanks to five teams and one individual for the work that they have done.  

Keeley Atkinson, People Engagement Manager at Kent Wildlife Trust said:

“It was wonderful to be able to recognise the contribution our volunteers make in a variety of roles across the county. We value all the hard work and support our volunteers give and  we couldn’t achieve our vision of a Wilder Kent without them.” 

The winners of this year’s Volunteer Awards were Hothfield Livestock Checker Team, Darland Banks Team, Bee Roads Team, Wild About Gardens Volunteer Team, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve Green Team, and the individual volunteer winner is Dennis Fryer from the Ashford Green Team. Dedicating their time and effort, especially during this difficult time, to help keep the Trust going. 

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