How quickly a year rolls around! We have so much to tell you…
On Saturday 12th July 2025 from 10:30am we will be holding our Annual General Meeting of members online and at our headquarters in Tyland Barn, Maidstone (directions here).
The AGM is a fantastic opportunity to hear more about the workings of the Trust, our achievements and impact over the prior year and our plans for the months ahead.
We are excited to invite every one of our members to join us to take part in the meeting and hear directly from our trustees about what Kent Wildlife Trust has been doing over the last year to address the nature and climate crises – both in Kent and nationally – and how we have been spending the money raised to fund those activities.
You will also hear from our Chief Executive, Evan Bowen-Jones about our plans for the future, and participate in our governance.
As well as receiving the annual report and accounts and electing new trustees, it is also an opportunity for members to submit questions to the trustees and the Senior Leadership Team. Information on how register to attend either online or in person will be emailed directly to members and made available here shortly.
New for 2025!
This year, as an additional bonus, we are very pleased to invite all members to an exclusive online Q&A session after the AGM with three of the key members of our Conservation & Engagement team:
- Director of Conservation & Engagement Paul Hadaway
- Head of Land Management Simon Bateman-Brown and
- Area Manager and Wilder Grazing Lead Alison Ruyter
The team will give a fascinating ‘behind the scenes’ insight into the work the Trust is doing on the ground including our approach to wilding, how we are managing our reserves to protect and restore nature in Kent, and how we are using livestock in different ways to do this. Members will have an opportunity to ask questions live so if you are interested in any aspect of how and why we do what we do – this is your chance! More information on how to join us for this special event will be emailed to you after you have registered for the AGM. Look out for the booking email in your inboxes or check back here soon for registration details.
AGM 2025 Agenda
- Welcome and apologies for absence
- Approval of the minutes of the 66th Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 20th July 2024. Read the draft minutes here and watch the video back here.
Presentation of the Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts for the Year ended 31st December 2024:
- Report on the year by Chair of Trustees Dr Chris West
- Report on the financial accounts by Chair of Risk & Finance Committee Jane Ibbotson.
- CEO’s Report ‘Looking Forwards’ by Chief Executive Officer Evan Bowen-Jones
The Trustees’ Annual Report will be available from Friday 20th June.
- Appointment of auditors
- Election, re-election, and retirement of members of Council (Trustees):
- Retiring by rotation and standing for re-election: Rachel Hoey
- Standing for election: Kiran Rayner, Jon Kirkpatrick
- Retiring by rotation and not standing for re-election: Chris West
Special Resolution: Amendment to the Articles of Association
The Trustees are proposing a special resolution to make a small amendment to the Trust’s Articles of Association. The resolution proposes to remove the clause concerning the appointment of patrons to ensure there is no conflict between the Articles and the newly launched Wilder Kent Patrons fundraising scheme. The full proposal will be available from Friday 20th June.
Questions from Members
If you would like to submit a question for Trustees or the Chief Executive to answer, please send your question to [email protected] by 5pm on Monday 7th July.
Where can I find out more?
Our 2024 Trustees’ Annual Report will be available here from 20th June along with the other associated papers. Those who have registered to attend will be sent an email when they are available.
Do you want to ask a question?
If you would like to submit a question to the Trustees or the Chief Executive about the Annual Report (including the financial accounts for the year) or anything else, please do so by 5pm Monday 7th July. Please submit your question to [email protected]
How much does it cost?
This event is free for members but please do register as early as possible as places are limited.
Can’t make it in person?
No problem, you can still take part online or ask someone else to join on your behalf. Here’s how..
- Join online – simply book an online ticket (registration details will be here soon) and we’ll send you a dedicated link to join the AGM from the comfort of your home.
- Proxy vote – members can appoint another person to attend and vote in their place. If you would like to arrange a proxy vote, please email [email protected]by 5pm on Friday 4th July.
The vital work that we do depends on the support of our members who care about our natural environment and want to see it protected and restored for future generations. We look forward to sharing how your generous support has helped Kent’s wildlife over the last year. We honestly couldn’t do it without you.