Jayne talks about why Earth Trust is important to her, and talks about an exciting vision for the future, a project called ‘The River of Life’."The Earth Trust for me is special, because it is changing people’s relationship with the natural world. Sustainability issues are very big and very global, but the reality is that it is about you and I making changes to our lives - the way we behave, think and act towards the environment."
Jenny talks about Connecting Naturally, introducing this new and exciting project; which engages people who do not usually spend time in the outdoors, inspiring them about the natural world. “The project is working with 0-5’s and their families. It’s all about being inspired to be outside and enjoying nature. One of the most special things is seeing children’s faces when they come here, and parents faces, knowing that this is so close to where they live.”
Poul Christensen talks about how he sees us being at a tipping point, in terms of the natural environment, and the importance of getting children to value the natural world today, so they protect it tomorrow.“We are at a tipping point in terms of the natural environment. Unless we get children to understand how important the environment is to them, they won’t value it.”
Roger talks about Thrupp Lake, Radley, and the blossoming relationship between Friends of Radley Lakes and Earth Trust. “The great thing about this place... it’s because its peaceful and it makes you feel peaceful. You go away feeling good about things. People come to walk their dogs, go running, go cycling... they come to watch the wildlife.”
Jo talks about her pioneering research work on hardwood timber tree improvement – and how this links in with the Earth Trusts mission and vision. “Paradise wood is the largest collection of hardwood timber tree improvement trials in the country. Earth Trust is one of only two organisations in the country carrying out this work. With climate change happening... we don’t know how these trees may perform with the change in climate. Twenty years ago here it was just a field of wheat. The work here is a win win – we are doing world class research.”
Oliver talks about how his work with schools helps them to bring to life the challenges we face, and also starts them thinking about practical solutions. “I work very closely with all the school groups that come here. Probably our favourite activities are running up and down the hills! But they set a fantastic backdrop to other learning we do here. Alot of the work we do here builds upon some of the most serious issues that face the planet and the human race today and in the future. We try to teach this in a way that empowers people to understand the issues around them but also practical solutions to it.”
Alexis talks about her work at the Earth Trust, linking management of land for wildlife with engaging the wider community. “It’s incredibly important that children care about the world around them. That can make a key difference to what happens in our future... What I love about the job is that every day is different and that one day it’ll be about some very rare wildlife, the next day it’s about a community event where we want to run some completely mad puppet show or something...”
Dave talks about how and why he started volunteering for the Earth Trust – it all started in a field in Wallingford! “I became involved when I bumped into a crowd of people having their lunch in a field in Wallingford. Got talking to them and we had a laugh and a joke. They told me what they were doing, and I asked if I could get involved... and here I am! I’m a carer for my wife who’s disabled, so this is almost like a working day off for me. Gets me out and about, gives me a day in the week to mark off. You’ve got to give it a try, you’ve just got to.”
Alison talks about her work with volunteers at the Earth Trust. She talks about work they are doing on the grassland restoration project, and why she loves her job at the Trust. “I look after the volunteers that work here on site. I love working for the Earth Trust... I love being outdoors, I love being with people. I’ve had lovely feedback from volunteers saying it gives them reason to get up in the morning, gets them out in the fresh air, and gives them a chance to meet people. It’s great to know I can make a difference to peoples lives.”
Chris talks about his passion for his work at the Earth Trust, and outlines the grassland restoration project in a little more detail. “The reason I got into conservation was to really make a difference to the habitats this country supports, and at the Earth Trust I’m lucky enough to be able to do this. One of the projects we’ve done alot of work on in recent years is the grassland restoration project. Almost 18 ha, about the size of 25 Wembley football pitches, of new wildflower meadows have been created. What would once have been an arable field is now awash with wild flowers and the wonderful colours that brings to our landscape.”
Prew Bowtell talks about why Cranford House School brings their children to Earth Trust three times a year... and why everyone else should take a visit too! “We bring our children here three times a year. The first time they come of course they don’t know quite what’s in store, but on the third trip they are so excited to come. They talk about it nonstop. This week we had an assembly where they talk about their favourite things of Year 3... and they all wanted to say Wittenham Clumps, we had to tell them they had to say something else in the end! We are SO lucky this is on our doorstep. For people who haven’t discovered the Earth Trust... they just need to come up here park the car and go for a walk. Just amazing.”
David talks about the importance of research at the Earth Trust, and how good science needs to underpin everything we do as a charity. “We see research as a very important part of what Earth Trust does. If we’re talking to schools, dealing with local groups, trying to manage our land effectively, all of these things need to be underpinned by good science. Unusually for an organisation of our size, we believe that doing the research ourselves, and collaborating with others, is a very important thing for us to be involved in.”
Dave talks about his work volunteering for Earth Trust, why it is important to him, and about his love for the Wittenham Clumps. “I’ve been volunteering here for 3 and ½ years now. I just love being outdoors. This gives me the opportunity to come out and do a variety of jobs. That’s what I like about it is the variety. Wherever you live in the country there’s always somewhere local that is special to people... and for me its Wittenham Clumps. It’s always been a special place.”
Roly talks about everything from his childhood living in the local village, to fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a farmer. “I farm here with my wife Camilla. The Earth Trust has given Camilla and I a great opportunity to fulfil a lifelong ambition – and that is to farm. We have about 300 sheep which give us lambs that we sell at local farmers markets, and online, and to pubs, and even to the local school as well. It’s amazing being here... when I was a young boy I actually lived in the local village and I have very vivid memories of tobogganing down the clumps. Now 30 years later here I am with Camilla and I’m checking the sheep on the clumps. Farming is incredibly rewarding, every day is magical. Lambing is incredibly special. Every lamb that I have to help being born is memorable. Farming isn’t without its challenges, it’s very stressful. But it’s a wonderful way of life.”
Romilly talks about the excitement of welcoming children and school groups to the Earth Trust, and about running up and down those two hills! “I take children out into the woods and out into the environment to learn about what they find there. What I do is to take them to look beyond what you usually see. When you walk out into a field or a wood you think there’s not really much there... when you look closer you find So Much Stuff! When children arrive they stand at the gates and look up at the two hills. There’s no reason to run up the hill at all... except that they want to! Once at the top you can see for miles and miles. Then the best bit – running down the hill so fast you can’t stop! It’s wonderful to watch them full of the joys of the world.”
Martin talks about volunteering in all weather conditions, and how he’s seen the site change over the years.“It’s my third year in retirement and I thought I ought to give something back, so that’s why I’m here. On a day like today it’s lovely... On a day like we’ve had in the winter, the winds been blowing, it’s been drizzly... but you’re out in the open, nothings better. You’ve only got to walk up onto these hills... even the power station on a misty day it’s magical. I’d recommend this to anybody.”