Meet our Kent Wildlife Trust Volunteer Representatives

The Volunteer Representatives represent the wider volunteering team, ensuring that everyone fully understands the direction of the Trust, and to make sure they are part of the decision-making process by having their viewpoints heard.

We truly value the time and commitment of all our volunteers; so, to make sure we hear their voices and ideas, we set up a Volunteer Representatives group in 2021.

Working with the volunteer team, the group focuses on sharing information and feedback about the volunteering process – from the volunteer handbook, right through to our strategy and action plans.

Meet the team

Bob Martin

Sevenoaks Area

Representative Area: Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Sevenoaks Greensands Common project

Opportunity category: Outdoor Tasks

About Me:

I am retired (closed my company in 2021) from paid work, but now seem to have increased time spent in the voluntary sector including sitting on a Regulatory Authority and a Board of Directors. I became a volunteer with Kent Wildlife Trust when the Sevenoaks Greensands Common Project started, but when that fell into the abyss I shifted my allegiance to SWR, which is actually where the initial interest was before being ‘highjacked’ to Greensands!
With my wife (Team M) we love wildlife, so what better way to give back than to become a volunteer, although Covid has curtailed our involvement at SWR thus far. Following some unfortunate experiences in the voluntary sector, including KWT, and not being one to complain without sticking my head above the parapet, contributing to this group was obvious.
This initiative of the Volunteer Representatives will give all Kent Wildlife Trust volunteers a ‘voice’ back to senior management and will put in place improvements for all existing and forthcoming volunteers.

Gill Cleverly

Weald Area

Representative Area: Weald

Opportunity category: Outdoor Tasks

Mike Hatton

Swale Area

Representative Area: Swale

Opportunity category: Outdoor Tasks

About Me:

For more than 20 years I have been volunteering for Kent Wildlife Trust on various Reserves in East Kent. However, for the last 12 years, I have generally limited my efforts to the Swale area, and have a special interest in South Swale and Oare Marshes.
Volunteering for me is all about being outdoors, and as a volunteer, I am able to loiter legally on the marshes or in the countryside!
Having had a career in ship-building and shipping, I particularly enjoy using my knowledge and practical skills in construction work.
I have joined this group because for a long time I have recognised the need for a direct communication link between the volunteers and Tyland Barn, and hope this will provide it.

Nigel Jennings

Queendown Warren, Nashenden Down, Roadside Nature Reserves & Bee Roads

Representative Area: Queendown Warren, Nashenden Down, Roadside Nature Reserves & Bee Roads

Opportunity category: Outdoor Tasks

About me:

I started volunteering in 2006 after leaving a long career with National Air Traffic Services. Initially it was just to keep myself occupied but I was soon hooked!
I enjoy being outdoors, keeping fit and helping to conserve the natural environment.
I work regularly at Queendown Warren and many other reserves in West Kent as well as RNRs and Bee Roads across the county.
I have been a volunteer group leader for many years.
I joined the group because I am keen to see high standards of support and recognition offered to all Kent Wildlife Trust volunteers.

Simon Kennett

Dover Area & Livestock Checkers

Representative Area: Dover

Opportunity category: Outdoor Tasks and Livestock Checkers

About me:

Since I was a child I have been very interested in nature, growing up amongst the downs and woods near Dover.
I spent seven years working on mixed farms but always wanted to work in conservation. I found this difficult 40 years ago but now after taking early retirement I'm finally able to live the dream!
I started volunteering as a Livestock Checker in August 2018 checking Highland Cattle, Herdwick Sheep and Koniks on the Dover sites as well as standing in for three months at Ham Fen.
Last summer I began volunteering as a Practical Task volunteer on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I have learnt a lot in a short period of time.
This year I have carried out butterfly, bat, bird and botanical surveys for other conservation bodies which has expanded my knowledge massively.
I joined the group as it seems like a worthwhile role that I can perform to increase my involvement with Kent Wildlife Trust, helping the volunteers on the ground and the volunteer team.