@ Alla Stratiienko
This dedicated team showed remarkable resilience during a tough summer grazing season. Navigating steep banks, dense scrub and elusive sheep, their unwavering commitment to animal welfare strengthened grazing operations across the county and improved precious chalk grassland habitat.
@ Alla Stratiienko
Through a year of major site works, this cheerful and hard‑working team kept everything running. Their determination created a brand‑new garden, maintained the grounds, and ensured the reserve remained safe and welcoming for wildlife and visitors alike.
@ Alla Stratiienko
Since joining in October 2024, Julie has quietly become an essential part of our education and engagement work. Whether supporting Nature Tots, Forest School, school visits, holiday clubs, CRM tasks or wellbeing sessions, her can‑do attitude and reliability have prompted many delighted “Julie’s helping with that as well!” moments.
@ Alla Stratiienko
This outstanding team brings creativity, enthusiasm and deep resilience to inspiring young people across Kent. Their work has transformed our ability to deliver high‑quality learning experiences and events that leave lasting impressions on young minds.
Joining us in June last year, Kate immediately brought energy, expertise and positivity. Even with ongoing building renovations, she stepped in with adaptability and warmth - quickly becoming a valued member of the team.
@ Alla Stratiienko
Leslie’s calm presence and quiet support have made a remarkable impact on our Wilder Wellbeing programme. His grounding nature helps participants feel safe and welcomed, enriching both individual experiences and the wider team dynamic.
A few words from the People & Volunteering Team
“The awards ceremony was such a wonderfully upbeat day - full of recognition, gratitude and celebration. It was a joy to shine a spotlight on these incredible winners and to take a moment to appreciate the difference they make. And while these awards highlight just a handful of stories, they represent the spirit of hundreds of amazing volunteers who support us all year round. We’re grateful for every single one of you.”
A special thank you to the Marsh Charitable Trust
Our volunteer awards would not be possible without our long‑standing partners, the Marsh Charitable Trust. Since 1997, they have helped us recognise exceptional volunteers each year. Every nomination is reviewed and approved by the Trust, giving our winners recognition through an independent organisation dedicated to championing excellence in volunteering. Their support brings credibility, prestige and heartfelt appreciation to these awards, and we remain grateful for their generosity and commitment.
Thank you to every volunteer who gives their time, passion and energy to making Kent wilder. We couldn’t do it without you.
I have been a BeeWalk volunteer with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT) since 2024. I have also been a Kent Wildlife Trust volunteer joining the Pine Marten project at Bedgebury in 2025. I live near Queendown Warren and the South East Area Manager…
Liz & Steve Dallison have been involved with KWT since 2010 and begun livestock checking around 4 years ago. In this blog, they talk about the best bits and challenges the work brings!
The invertebrate sorting volunteers are the unsung heroes of the Wilder Blean project - working hard over the winter months at Tyland Barn to ID & record West Blean & Thornden Wood's insect species.
