Volunteering for wildlife

Anna’s journey with the tree nurseries is truly inspiring. Starting with little knowledge of conservation or tree growing, she threw herself into learning everything she could. Her enthusiasm and skills light up the whole team, and she does it all with an infectious smile that lifts everyone’s spirits. Anna commits to volunteering at both nurseries each week, bridging the two sites and creating a strong sense of unity. She’s also the team’s cheerleader, sharing photos, foraged information, and updates that bring everyone closer together. What truly stands out is her dedication; despite challenges, she shows up consistently, eager to learn and support. Anna’s passion and commitment make her an invaluable part of the team and the project’s success. 

Debbie is an exceptional volunteer and a driving force behind the success of Shoresearch in North Devon. She leads on organising and coordinating surveys, preparing risk assessments, promoting events, and submitting vital species records, all with incredible care and professionalism. Her dedication to marine conservation is unwavering, and her contributions have been central to building our understanding of North Devon’s intertidal wildlife. Without Debbie’s commitment, Shoresearch simply wouldn’t be happening in the same way in North Devon. She truly represents one of the best of DWT’s citizen science volunteers. 

John Haddon is an outstanding volunteer and a key part of the Two Moors Pine Marten Project from day one. He’s contributed to every stage of the work—from surveying Dartmoor woodlands and building release pens, to tracking pine martens and monitoring their behaviour. His dedication has seen him up at 3am to meet arriving animals, and his trail cameras captured the first footage of pine marten kits in the area. John brings practical skills, local knowledge, and a problem-solving mindset to every task. Now supporting our efforts on Exmoor too, and helping train new volunteers, John’s commitment, reliability and enthusiasm have made a lasting difference—and we’re delighted to recognise him with this award. 

The Broadclyst and Meeth Tree Nursery Volunteer Teams have been the driving force behind two hugely successful community nurseries, growing thousands of native trees to support Devon’s treescapes. These teams bring energy, skill, humour and unwavering dedication—turning challenging environments into thriving spaces filled with life. 

Whether hand-weeding seedlings, building protective structures, or carrying watering cans under relentless sun, they give their time generously and work with real care, collaboration, and problem-solving spirit. From seed to sapling, their hard work has resulted in over 40,000 healthy trees grown and delivered across the county. They’ve not only made the nurseries possible, they have made them exceptional. 

Sonia Mistely is an outstanding volunteer whose calm expertise, commitment and enthusiasm have made a real and lasting impact. A passionate lichen enthusiast and generous teacher, Sonia supports beginners and improvers alike with encouragement and patience. She has played a key role in the success of our lichen events and therefore the  legacy of the Devon Lichen Group. Sonia has gone above and beyond with her meadow surveys, travelling long distances and delivering consistently detailed and thoughtful data, vital for shaping future land management. Her work as a Voluntary Warden on Ideford Common, has been exceptional. Sonia is proactive and thorough, and her contribution is invaluable in understanding biodiversity and supporting site management. Reliable, knowledgeable and always positive, Sonia’s dedication and care shine through in everything she does.  

Tom Miller is a truly outstanding Marine Strandings Network volunteer, responding to 15% of all South Devon call-outs since 2023; a remarkable contribution, especially given the ad-hoc nature of the role. Balancing full-time work and family life, Tom still finds time to respond swiftly, often dropping everything to attend. He provides high-quality data, supports new volunteers, and even offers specialist skills like drone surveying. Tom’s commitment and professionalism directly support national marine conservation efforts, and his passion for protecting marine wildlife shines through in everything he does. We’re incredibly proud to have him on the team. 

Victoria Benns has been an incredible support to the Avon Valley Project. By monitoring around 10 meadows each year and engaging with over a dozen landowners, she’s played a vital role in helping reach important targets and guide future meadow management. Reliable, proactive and a great communicator, Victoria works independently with real care and commitment. Her contribution has made a significant impact, and Victoria has built on that momentum by launching her own local initiative, BeWild, to help businesses support wildlife. We’re incredibly grateful for everything she brings to the project.

William Staddon may not yet be 18, but he is one of our most reliable, knowledgeable, and hardworking volunteers. Throughout his time at Wembury, supporting a wide range of activities, he’s shown exceptional maturity, responsibility, and a genuine passion for wildlife. Additionally, he is our top nudibranch spotter! William’s quick thinking during a health and safety incident last year highlighted his calm leadership skills. Balancing volunteering with his studies and personal challenges, he’s also been a wonderful mentor to other young volunteers. His dedication and enthusiasm are inspiring, and he truly exemplifies the value of investing in young people in conservation. We’re incredibly proud to recognise his outstanding contribution. 

Gordon Waterhouse has been dedicated to Andrews Wood since 1974 – 50 years!  Gordon’s love for Andrews Wood is well known across the Reserves Team and volunteers.  He knows every nook and cranny and has introduced many children and adults to its delights through Wildlife Watch clubs and guided walks, as well as caring for it through many practical conservation tasks. Gordon is also an accomplished botanist, which he has used to help identify key species at the site. Gordon is truly a part of DWT and Andrews Wood, and we would be adrift without him. His kindness and encouragement has been an incredible inspiration to staff and volunteers. For all of this, and much more, we have given him a special award to recognise his 50 years, with our thanks.