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.”
